thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
Synonyms of thunderousnext
1
a
: producing thunder
b
: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
2
: thundering
thunderously adverb

Synonyms of thunderous

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skubal walked off the field this past week in Detroit to a thunderous ovation. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Spidey caught a thunderous $72 million from Thursday previews, which also set the record for a preview sum, beating the $60 million that Endgame earned. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026 Moments later, a massive section of ice suddenly broke away, crashing into the water below with a thunderous splash. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Around two in the morning, Machado stepped onto the balcony to thunderous applause. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thunderous

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderous was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

thunder mug
thunderous
thunderpeal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderous. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective
thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
1
: producing thunder
2
: making a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
thunderously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on thunderous

Nglish: Translation of thunderous for Spanish Speakers

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