loud 1 of 2

Definition of loudnext

loud

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective loud contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of loud are earsplitting, raucous, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When can earsplitting be used instead of loud?

In some situations, the words earsplitting and loud are roughly equivalent. However, earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When is it sensible to use raucous instead of loud?

The synonyms raucous and loud are sometimes interchangeable, but raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

In what contexts can stentorian take the place of loud?

The meanings of stentorian and loud largely overlap; however, stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

Where would strident be a reasonable alternative to loud?

Although the words strident and loud have much in common, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

How does the adjective loud contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of loud are earsplitting, raucous, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When can earsplitting be used instead of loud?

In some situations, the words earsplitting and loud are roughly equivalent. However, earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When is it sensible to use raucous instead of loud?

The synonyms raucous and loud are sometimes interchangeable, but raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

In what contexts can stentorian take the place of loud?

The meanings of stentorian and loud largely overlap; however, stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

Where would strident be a reasonable alternative to loud?

Although the words strident and loud have much in common, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of loud
Adjective
Staff remembered him for his calm temperament, distinctive mane and loud roar — as well as a goofy streak, the zoo said. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 And researchers hope someday gene therapy may help with common types of hearing loss, like from aging and loud noise. Rob Stein, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Microphones are a tool for speaking out loud, or singing, before a crowd, and Lee uses the object as a symbol of her own desire to speak and be understood, even when she is confused by competing cultures and unsure of her own voice. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 Garcia laughed it off and replied that the baby liked the music loud before returning to her room. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loud
Adjective
  • The stirring of the home supporters by Rowe, however, made the sound of silence more deafening in the final minute.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Records say the sound created a deafening roar across Copenhagen.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This means no two sensors are exactly alike, leading to noisy data and inconsistent results.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Lesser known but notably noisier acts were relegated to another section of the grounds, where the Diablo Stage stood, attracting non-stop aggressive movement.
    Lina Lecaro, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Eventually, others could be heard speaking loudly and dishes clanking.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Some audience members shout callouts, but not loudly or consistently enough to register, leaving the cast awkwardly straining to acknowledge jokes that barely land.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hana liked it enough to take some home, which in the Test Kitchen is a ringing endorsement!
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • At the moment, Breslow has its ringing endorsement.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Egerton, by contrast, gets to grandstand a bit more flamboyantly.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Across medieval Europe, aristocrats repeatedly set off fashion fads and scandals by wearing poulaines, shoes whose flamboyantly elongated pointed toes could stretch far beyond the natural length of their feet.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Rudy Gobert and a roaring, black-out playoff crowd towered over him.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Cornwall’s ‘roaring future’ If the world is ever to get close to net zero, lithium will be at the centre of it, said The Times.
    Will Barker, TheWeek, 19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Bryan Fuller’s expressionistic procedural is ostentatiously gruesome, yes, but the increasingly disturbing interplay between Will and Hannibal — cat and mouse, will-they/won’t they — is a full course meal on its own.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
  • In her closet were seven Ungaros, three Rykiels, a Kamali bathing suit and a Kamali sleeping-bag coat, five Kenzo dresses, two pieces from the Ballets Russes collection of Saint Laurent—all of which were trades or payments in kind, none of them mothballed, but instead worn ostentatiously and often.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Loud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loud. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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