roaring applause

USAGE SUMMARY

"roaring applause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud, enthusiastic and continuous sound of clapping from a group of people. This phrase is often used to describe the reaction to a particularly impressive performance or speech. Example sentence: After the final performance, the stage was filled with the sound of roaring applause from the audience, marking the end of a successful and well-received show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's eliciting roaring applause from the audience.

The New York Times

The bankers reacted with roaring applause.

The New York Times

Carmelo was substituted to roaring applause, as was Smith, and even Kenyon Martin.

The New Yorker

"I was going to say madam mayor," he said, to roaring applause.

The New York Times

They finished to roaring applause and left the stage sweating and bearing boyish smiles.

The New York Times

"We need no weapons at all, not just fewer," said Kelly to roaring applause.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The fans at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg rose to their feet to give a thunderous welcome to their living legend, with roars, applause and blasts on their vuvuzelas.

The Guardian - Sport

It roared applause for Heatley, a 23-year-old right wing who was the most valuable player of last year's N.H.L. All-Star Game, as he stood on the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

The delegates are immediately on their feet, roaring with applause, and they stay captivated until he leaves the podium, cheering and hanging on to his every word.

Vice

The crowd roared its applause.

The New York Times - Arts

Then she walked off to a roar of applause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase after verbs of motion or conclusion, such as 'greeted with' or 'ended to', to effectively show reaction.

Common error

Avoid adding adjectives like 'loud' or 'noisy' before "roaring applause". Since 'roaring' inherently implies a high volume and powerful sound, adding extra descriptors creates a tautology that weakens the imagery.

Linguistic Context

In English, "roaring applause" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a direct object (e.g., 'the crowd gave roaring applause') or as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'to roaring applause'). As noted in Ludwig, the adjective 'roaring' modifies the noun 'applause' to provide specific sensory detail regarding the volume and texture of the sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "roaring applause" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an exceptionally enthusiastic and loud reception. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across elite publications, particularly in the reporting of cultural performances, political rallies and sporting events. It serves as a powerful alternative to more generic terms, offering a specific auditory image of a crowd in full, resonant approval. Writers should use it to signal a high point in a narrative or a significant moment of public validation, keeping in mind that its inherent intensity requires no further amplification from redundant adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thunderous applause

emphasizes the deep, rumbling volume similar to natural phenomena

rapturous applause

highlights the intense emotional state or ecstasy of the crowd

deafening applause

uses hyperbole to suggest the sound is so loud it prevents hearing

wild applause

suggests a lack of restraint and high energy in the clapping

resounding applause

focuses on the clarity and echoing impact of the reception

enthusiastic applause

more literal and slightly less intense than roaring

tumultuous applause

implies a chaotic, noisy and highly energetic reaction

prolonged applause

focuses on the duration rather than just the volume

standing ovation

describes the physical act of rising while clapping for high honor

roaring cheers

shifts the focus from clapping hands to vocal vocalization

FAQs

How to use "roaring applause" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a crowd's reaction, for example: "The speaker stepped off the stage to "roaring applause" from the delegates."

What can I say instead of "roaring applause"?

Depending on your focus, you might use "<a href="/s/thunderous+applause" target="_blank" rel="alternative">thunderous applause" for volume or "<a href="/s/rapturous+applause" target="_blank" rel="alternative">rapturous applause" for emotional intensity.

Which is correct, "roaring applause" or "thunderous applause"?

Both are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "roaring applause" suggests a deep, continuous sound like a lion or an engine, while "<a href="/s/thunderous+applause" target="_blank" rel="alternative">thunderous applause" evokes the booming nature of a storm.

What's the difference between "roaring applause" and "rapturous applause"?

"roaring applause" primarily describes the sound quality, whereas "<a href="/s/rapturous+applause" target="_blank" rel="alternative">rapturous applause" describes the feeling of intense joy or 'rapture' expressed through that sound.