thunder

verb

Definition of thundernext
1
as in to roar
to make a long loud deep noise or cry as we got closer, the waterfall thundered louder and louder

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shout
to speak so as to be heard at a distance a hotheaded man who was always thundering about the crooks and idiots running the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 thunder In place of herds of bison thundering across the prairie, there were piles of bones a story high and as much as a hundred feet long. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 The weapons dealers responsible for the cacophony on the lakefront of thundering jets have been gifted in the billions of tax dollars for the research and development of these weapons of mass destruction. — Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 The sky is painted pastel, and the waves rear up 20-feet-high before thundering onto the shore, over and over. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026 For many of the 20 million pilgrims attending this year, the killing this year of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his family by Israel and the United States is a thundering echo of grave injustice against the Shia Muslims. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thunder
  1. roar
  2. shout
  3. growl
  4. yell
  5. cry
Verb
  • Videos of the flooding obtained by ABC News show a roaring Colorado River as mudflows and debris from metal structures are seen floating down the river.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The jumpers climbed into the belly of a maroon-and-white jumpship as its propellers began to whir and then roar.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of roar
Verb
  • Video showed locals draped in Spanish flags, shouting anti-migrant slogans, and singing Spanish songs, torching the camp and throwing migrants’ belongings in the Mediterranean or into bonfires.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Being Chicago’s hometown airline — and shouting about it a lot — affords United Airlines certain privileges.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shout
Verb
  • Since then, Barkley has growled at several other people, and all but one have been diagnosed with some type of cancer, Dozier said.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
  • At the other end of our road, the cranes of the docks loomed — great Stothert and Pitt machines that growled overhead like something out of Star Wars, guarding the scale and mystery of the River Thames.
    — Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of growl
Verb
  • Defiant, Mladic acted bullishly during his trial and yelled at the judges when sentenced to life in prison.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Don't be one of those loudmouths yelling and screaming and pretending.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of yell
Verb
  • Unintentional noise could be heard, even a baby crying, Dolly said.
    — Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Clancy is visibly emotional, crying and wiping her eyes.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cry

Browse Nearby Words

thumps
thunder
thunderclap
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thunder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thunder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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