earsplitting

adjective

ear·​split·​ting ˈir-ˌspli-tiŋ How to pronounce earsplitting (audio)
Synonyms of earsplittingnext
: distressingly loud or shrill

Synonyms

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loud, stentorian, earsplitting, raucous, strident mean marked by intensity or volume of sound.

loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Examples of earsplitting in a Sentence

The train's whistle made an earsplitting noise. the earsplitting noise coming from the jackhammers at the construction site
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earsplitting was in 1761

Rhymes for earsplitting

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Browse Nearby Words

ear snail
earsplitting
earspool
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Cite this Entry

“Earsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earsplitting. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

earsplitting

adjective
ear·​split·​ting -ˌsplit-iŋ How to pronounce earsplitting (audio)
: unbearably loud or shrill
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