thunderous

adjective

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

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.
Grizzlies 120, Mavericks 106 Ja Morant quiets concerns about his ankle After a few days of concern over his ankle sprain, Morant quickly quieted all the questions about his health with a thunderous putback dunk in the first quarter, and the Grizzlies were off to the races from there. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025 Once well enough to speak to Congress the next month, a thinner and wan Reagan acknowledged the thunderous applause from both parties in the chamber and then put everyone at ease with a characteristic anecdote. Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 Redshirt freshman linebacker Tanner Williams, a transfer from Utah State, separated running back Christian Washington from the ball with a thunderous hit. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Two nights later, in Calgary, Fleury played the final dozen minutes in a 4-2 loss to the Flames, coming on in relief (to thunderous applause from the fans at the Saddledome) in relief of Filip Gustavsson. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Thunderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderous. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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