thunderous
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈʌndərəs/
US
- /ˈθəndərəs/
Meanings
Adjective
extremely loud, deep, and booming in sound
accompanied by thunder or sounding like a thunderstorm
dark, angry, or threatening in mood or expression
Beyond the definition
Imagine a storm rolling in: the booming crash of thunder is not just loud, it is thunderous. This word goes beyond simple volume; it suggests great power and a deep, rolling sound. Thunderous applause after a performance is not merely clapping; it is a wave of sound that fills the room. You might describe a speaker with a thunderous voice, one that demands attention and carries strongly. It is often used for things that sound dramatic, heavy, or forceful, like crashing waves, rumbling trains, or a thunderous roar from a crowd.
"Thunderous" is not just about being loud; it brings to mind the sheer force of a thunderstorm. At its core, the word is linked to the sound of thunder itself, but it is also used more broadly for anything that seems to carry that same heavy, deep, powerful effect.
You can use "thunderous" to describe sounds, like a "thunderous roar" from a crowd, a "thunderous crash" as trees fall, or "thunderous applause" after a great show. It also appears in a few figurative uses. A "thunderous voice" suggests great strength and authority, and a "thunderous look" can suggest anger or strong disapproval. Even in these extended uses, the idea is the same: something powerful, heavy, and impossible to ignore.
The word often carries a sense of awe and sometimes fear, reflecting how people react to a powerful storm. While it is not always negative, it usually implies something dramatic, intense, and hard to miss. Writers often use it to make a scene feel bigger and more vivid, whether they are describing nature, a crowd, a voice, or a sudden crash.
So, if you want to convey more than simple loudness, if you want to capture the feeling of deep sound and striking force, reach for "thunderous." It is a word that seems to boom on the page.
Examples
- 1
Audience reaction
The singer returned to the stage to thunderous applause.
- 2
Sudden noise
A thunderous crash from the garage made everyone jump.
- 3
Angry voice
The manager came in with a thunderous voice and demanded an explanation.
- 4
Public criticism
The new policy drew thunderous criticism from teachers and parents.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Figurative silence
When he finished his speech, he was met with thunderous silence.
- Phrasethunderous silence
a very noticeable silence that shows shock, anger, or disapproval
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- thunderous applause
- thunderous roar
- thunderous crash
- thunderous voice
Word family
- thunder
- thunderously
Explore
Forms and spellings
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Main spelling
- thunderousadjective