thunderous

American  

[thuhn-der-uhs, -druhs] / ˈθʌn dər əs, -drəs /

adjective

1. producing thunder or a loud noise like thunder.

   thunderous applause.

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thunderous British  

/ ˈθʌndərəs /

adjective

1. resembling thunder, esp in loudness

   thunderous clapping

2. threatening and extremely angry

   she gave him a thunderous look

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Other Word Forms

• thunderously adverb

Etymology

Origin of thunderous

First recorded in 1575–85; thunder + -ous

Example Sentences

So are graduates pouring out of elite colleges, joining the college-educated working class and responding with a thunderous “Union Yes”? For the most part, no.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“It’s a trailer launch? It looks like a premiere,” Villeneuve said during the event, which included a Q&A with the cast and was met by thunderous applause from the audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Dempsey had been shorn of many things by a thunderous Ireland performance - a revisiting of a familiar narrative.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

The 21-year-old was a striking presence in a routine to "Fear" by NF -- capped off with his famous backflip that prompted a thunderous ovation.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Abby’s scream was lost in the thunderous noise.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

Related Words

• deafening
• loud
• roaring
• thundering