deafening applause

USAGE SUMMARY

"deafening applause" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a loud and enthusiastic ovation, usually given in response to something or someone that has been presented. For example, "The actor took a final bow, and the applause was deafening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Deafening applause.

The New York Times

Cue deafening applause.

The New York Times

The crowd erupted into deafening applause.

The Guardian

After the vote, Sullivan stepped outside to deafening applause.

The Washington Post

He was followed shortly afterwards by John Bright, Esq., M.P., who was welcomed with deafening applause.

The Economist

Stump was greeted with deafening applause each time he plodded around the ring.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The previous Wednesday, when the Romanians were blasted away by Argentina, their substitutes were virtually deafened by applause as they warmed up.

The Guardian - Sport

A split second passes before the entire auditorium erupts into deafening cheering and applause that goes on and on.

The Guardian

The 6ft 3in Scot triumphed over the 6ft 5in Canadian Milos Raonic, his championship point in a third set tie-break detonating deafening cheers and applause in Centre Court and in living rooms, clubs and pubs across the UK.

The Guardian - Sport

By the end of the decade, Caro felt sufficiently his own man to mount a mild attack on his old mentor in the pages of the Observer: "When you try to think clearly about Henry Moore you are deafened by the applause..

The Guardian - Arts

"I said, 'My God, I've won the Open.' The applause was deafening.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deafening applause" to vividly depict the intensity of a crowd's positive response to a performance, speech, or event. It's particularly effective when you want to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the audience's approval.

Common error

Avoid using "deafening applause" to describe a polite or mild reaction. This phrase indicates a very loud and enthusiastic response, not a simple acknowledgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deafening applause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "deafening" modifies the noun "applause". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a loud and enthusiastic audience reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Sports

14%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deafening applause" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe an extremely loud and enthusiastic audience reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the intensity of approval, especially in contexts such as news reports, sports events, and artistic performances. While highly descriptive, writers should ensure its usage aligns with the true magnitude of the response. Alternatives such as "thunderous applause" or "resounding cheers" can offer nuanced variations. The consistent presence of this phrase in reputable sources underscores its validity and communicative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thunderous applause

Replaces "deafening" with "thunderous", emphasizing the sound's power and resonance.

overwhelming ovation

Substitutes both words to convey a strong, positive reaction with standing element.

resounding cheers

Focuses on the sound of cheering rather than applause, suggesting vocal enthusiasm.

tumultuous reception

Highlights the chaotic and enthusiastic nature of the welcome.

rapturous applause

Emphasizes the ecstatic and delighted nature of the applause.

boisterous ovation

Implies a lively and energetic standing reaction.

hearty clapping

Describes the applause as sincere and enthusiastic.

fervent cheers

Conveys intense and passionate vocal support.

vigorous clapping

Suggests the applause was done with energy and force.

uproarious cheering

Highlights the loud and unrestrained nature of the cheering.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "deafening applause" in a sentence?

Use "deafening applause" to describe an extremely loud and enthusiastic reaction from an audience. For example, "The comedian's final joke was met with "deafening applause"".

What are some alternatives to "deafening applause"?

You can use alternatives like "thunderous applause", "overwhelming ovation", or "resounding cheers" depending on the specific context.

Is "deafening applause" an overused phrase?

While "deafening applause" is a common phrase, it remains effective when accurately portraying an exceptionally enthusiastic and loud reaction. Consider alternatives if the situation doesn't warrant such strong emphasis.

What is the difference between "applause" and ""deafening applause""?

"Applause" generally refers to the act of clapping to show approval, while ""deafening applause"" specifies that the clapping is so loud it is almost overwhelming. The term "deafening" is used to emphasize the extreme volume of the applause.