EARSPLITTING Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

earsplitting

adjective

ˈir-ˌspli-tiŋ

Definition of earsplitting next

as in loud

marked by a high volume of sound the earsplitting noise coming from the jackhammers at the construction site

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective earsplitting contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of earsplitting are loud, raucous, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When is it sensible to use loud instead of earsplitting?

Although the words loud and earsplitting have much in common, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When is raucous a more appropriate choice than earsplitting?

The meanings of raucous and earsplitting largely overlap; however, raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

Where would stentorian be a reasonable alternative to earsplitting?

While in some cases nearly identical to earsplitting, stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

In what contexts can strident take the place of earsplitting?

While the synonyms strident and earsplitting are close in meaning, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Examples 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 earsplitting The Wall, though, will be delightfully old school in a cap tip to the court-hugging, earsplitting, rowdy venues of college basketball’s glory days. —

Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023 In Soledar, an old salt mining town, earsplitting explosions crack in every direction. —

Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022 Donald, Mark, Willie, Billy, and Tony — practically everyone in Hollis within shouting distance of 203rd Street was laughing at me at earsplitting volume. —

Stephen A. Smith, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2023 Up close, the spinning turbines make an earsplitting din. —

Stanley Reed Matilde Viegas, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2023 Frequently changing lights and occasionally earsplitting volumes didn’t help. —

Dallas News, 23 Feb. 2022 After Williams struck a swinging backhand volley winner to take a 4-0 lead in the second set, her play improving with every passing moment, the reaction was earsplitting. —

Howard Fendrich, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for earsplitting

Adjective

Mangione’s previous appearance in court included a loud outburst when he was lead into the building, but this morning’s proceedings went quietly and Mangione seemed in good spirits.

Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
The sheer size of the crowds in Tampa and Philly made those two of the loudest crowd pops of her career, but Bayley said the depth of the story with Damage CTRL also added to the reactions — and to her own pride in accomplishment.

Jay Reddick, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024