thunderous
gb/θˈʌndɚəs/ us/θˈʌndɚəs/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
extremely loud and booming
very loud, like thunder
Usage pattern:
a thunderous [noise/sound/crash/boom/roar]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *thunder* (noun) where the adjective *thunderous* is needed (e.g., “a thunder sound” instead of “a thunderous sound”).
Synonyms
booming (Emphasizes a deep, resonant sound.)
|
deafening (Emphasizes extreme loudness, sometimes painfully so.)
|
resounding (Emphasizes echoing and carrying over distance.)
Antonyms
quiet (Not loud or noisy.)
|
muted (Softened or reduced in volume.)
Collocations
thunderous noise
|thunderous crash
|thunderous boom
|thunderous roar
|thunderous rumble
|thunderous footsteps
|thunderous voice
|thunderous drums
|thunderous explosion
|thunderous clap
Themes
sound
|description
|weather
Examples
- A thunderous crash shook the windows as the truck hit the barrier.
- We could hear thunderous drums from the parade several streets away.
- His thunderous voice filled the hall without a microphone.
Learner examples
- There was a thunderous noise outside.
- The music was thunderous.
adjective
B2
property
2
very intense or forceful
very strong and enthusiastic (or very strong and angry)
Usage pattern:
thunderous [applause/ovation/cheers/criticism/condemnation]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it for any positive feedback; it usually suggests a powerful, overwhelming reaction.
Synonyms
rousing (Often positive; suggests excitement and energy.)
|
vociferous (Often about loud opinions or protests rather than applause.)
|
overwhelming (Emphasizes the strength and scale of the reaction.)
Antonyms
tepid (Shows little enthusiasm or intensity.)
|
muted (Restrained or not strongly expressed.)
Collocations
thunderous applause
|thunderous ovation
|thunderous cheers
|thunderous support
|thunderous laughter
|thunderous criticism
|thunderous condemnation
|thunderous approval
|thunderous reception
|thunderous response
Themes
emotions
|communication
|performance
Examples
- The singer returned for an encore to thunderous applause.
- The proposal was met with thunderous criticism from across the room.
- Her speech received a thunderous reception at the conference.
Learner examples
- He got thunderous applause after his talk.
Grammar
Dictionary form
thunderous
IPA
GB/θˈʌndɚəs/
US/θˈʌndɚəs/
Syllables & stress
thun - der - ous (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (thun)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: thunderous
Expressions
thunderous applause
1/θˈʌndɚəs əplˈɔz/
fixed phrase
very loud clapping for approval
Clapping that is very loud and strong to show great approval.
Examples
- The singer left the stage to thunderous applause.
- Thunderous applause filled the hall after his speech.
thunderous applause
1/θˈʌndɚəs əplˈɔz/
fixed phrase
very loud enthusiastic clapping
very loud clapping
Examples
- She walked on stage to thunderous applause.
- The announcement was greeted with thunderous applause from the crowd.
thunderous boom
1/θˈʌndɚəs bˈum/
fixed phrase
sudden loud deep sound
a very loud deep sound
Examples
- A thunderous boom echoed across the valley.
- They woke to a thunderous boom that sounded like an explosion.
thunderous ovation
1/θˈʌndɚəs oʊvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
very loud audience praise
very loud applause and cheers
Examples
- The director came out for a bow and received a thunderous ovation.
- Her final note earned a thunderous ovation from the audience.
thunderous roar
1/θˈʌndɚəs ɹˈɔɹ/
fixed phrase
very loud booming roar
a very loud roaring sound
Examples
- A thunderous roar went up when the goal was scored.
- They heard the thunderous roar of the waterfall long before they saw it.