thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: producing thunder

b

: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder

thunderous applause

2

: thundering

thunderously adverb

Synonyms

• blaring
• blasting
• booming
• clamorous
• clangorous
• deafening
• earsplitting
• loud
• piercing
• plangent
• resounding
• ringing
• roaring
• slam-bang
• sonorous
• stentorian
• thundering

Examples of thunderous in a Sentence

The audience responded with thunderous applause.

the last thunderous chord of the symphony rang throughout the hall

Recent Examples on the Web

The Bulls’ success is propelled by a thunderous series of performances from Coby White, who became the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan to earn back-to-back Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards. —Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Four Confederate veterans in uniform were presented to thunderous applause. —Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025

Peterson responded with a thunderous dunk and ended the third quarter with a half-court buzzer-beater, leading the many KU fans in Coffin Sports Complex to roar in approval. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025

Which was met with thunderous cheers from the audience. —Evan Burke, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs 

1

: producing thunder

2

: making a noise like thunder

thunderous applause

thunderously adverb