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 of thunderous

• loud
• deafening
• roaring
• ringing
• 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

Even surrounded by three stunning Ferraris—a 296 GTS, a 488 GTB, and a Roma coupe—the Lambo, with its bold Verde Ermes green and thunderous V-12 engine, drew the attention of the entire DTaC crew, as well as many curious enthusiasts who flocked to the car at every stop. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 1 May 2026

Bart Jansen Lawmakers gave King Charles III a thunderous standing ovation before his speech to a joint meeting of Congress. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Max Crozier’s thunderous body check on Juraj Slafkovský in the second period ignited a Tampa comeback and led to three unanswered goals en route to a gritty, 3-2 win Sunday night to tie their series with Montreal 2-2. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Little details impossible to see even from the front row — fingers triggering thunderous beats from a drum machine, the sweat beading on an artist’s forehead — are intercut rhythmically with sweeping wide shots that reveal dramatic lighting schemes and enraptured masses. —Andrea Domanick, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

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