thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'thunder' is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
You could use 'thunder' in a sentence to describe a booming or rumbling sound, such as when a storm is occurring. For example, "The thunder clapped loudly as the storm rolled in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Its detractors claim that the SDLP has a bad case of the "three M's" - too male, too middle class and too middle of the road - which should have been arrested long before Sinn Féin began to steal some of its thunder.

The Guardian

Towards 10pm the rain returns and we take to our tents, the sound of snoring mingling with the distant thunder.

The Guardian - Travel

Richard and Adam impressed the judges, despite having their thunder stolen by their egg-hurling colleague, who displayed talent of her own by launching her messy projectiles accurately at the judges from some distance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And when the lightning arrives – caused by heat, humidity and Andean winds, and accompanied by roaring thunder – it explodes in all directions burning jagged bolts into your retina.

The Guardian - Travel

With Kermorgant having been replaced, Pitman stepped up to thunder in the spot-kick past Dimi Konstantopoulos.

The Guardian - Sport

27 min: Above the stadium, the rumble of thunder.

The Guardian - Sport

At Morebattle it was raining so hard, and there were occasional flashes of thunder and lightening, and brief outbreaks of painful hail that, very reluctantly, I decided not to continue over Wideopen Hill, but instead to take the B-road on towards Yetholm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Arthur Hull, a 53-year-old Californian who is considered the father of drum circles in America, says: "It no longer has the bad connotation of hippie thunder-drumming.

The Economist

Reprints Related items America and China: By fits and startsFeb 4th 2010 Tibet: Pilgrims and progressFeb 4th 2010As if to highlight the underlying dangers, China has this time gone further than the usual blood-and-thunder warnings and suspension of military contacts (see article).

The Economist

Chevy Thunder is indeed thunderous, with a lyric about wanting to "take your father's car and drive, drive, drive" that is pure Springsteen worship.

The Guardian - Music

In 2009 a US-supported military operation dubbed Operation Lightning Thunder and carried out by Uganda government forces failed to kill Kony.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thunder" to add dramatic effect or emphasize the power and intensity of a sound or event. For example, describing the sound of a waterfall or a political movement gaining momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "thunder" in contexts where a more subtle or nuanced description is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or forced.

Linguistic Context

The word "thunder" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the loud sound associated with lightning. As a verb, it describes the action of making such a sound. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both usages, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Travel

11%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Music

7%

Opinion

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thunder" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to describe a loud, booming sound following a lightning strike. It also functions as a verb, meaning to make such a sound, or metaphorically, to speak loudly and forcefully. Ludwig AI indicates that "thunder" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. Understanding its various uses and connotations can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peal of thunder

More specific, emphasizing the ringing quality of thunder.

rumbling thunder

Focuses on the low, continuous sound aspect.

crash of thunder

Emphasizes the sudden, loud impact.

clap of thunder

Highlights the sharp, percussive nature of the sound.

booming sound

More general, referring to any deep, resonant sound.

deafening roar

Focuses on the overwhelming loudness.

tumultuous noise

Broader, describing any loud, confused noise.

explosive sound

Highlights the sudden, forceful nature of the sound.

stole the spotlight

Metaphorical, referring to overshadowing someone.

dominate overwhelmingly

Metaphorical, indicating a powerful influence or presence.

FAQs

How can I use "thunder" in a sentence?

You can use "thunder" to describe a loud, booming sound, often associated with storms, as in, "We heard the "distant thunder"." It can also be used metaphorically, such as "The news created a "thunder of protest"".

What are some synonyms for "thunder"?

Synonyms for "thunder" include "boom", "roar", "rumble", and "clap", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "thunders"?

"Thunders" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "thunder", as in, "It "often thunders" in the summer." As a plural noun it is less common but perfectly acceptable.

What does it mean to "steal someone's thunder"?

To "steal someone's thunder" means to take the attention or praise away from someone else, often by doing something similar or better before they do.