Thunder is a loud sound we often hear during storms. It can make windows shake and pets hide. Sometimes it comes with lightning, and other times it rumbles on its own. People have always tried to describe thunder because it feels so strong and surprising. One way they do this is by using similes.
A simile compares one thing to another using the words “like” or “as.” When talking about thunder, people use similes to explain how it sounds or feels. These similes help us picture thunder in our minds even if we can’t hear it right now. In this article, we’ll explore 35 different similes for thunder. Each one will show how people use language to describe something powerful, loud, and sometimes scary. Let’s take a look at these fun and creative examples.
Similes for Thunder
1. Thunder is like a drum in the sky
Meaning: A loud, deep sound that feels steady and strong
Example Sentence:
– The thunder rolled like a drum in the sky.
– It sounded like someone banging a giant drum above us.
Other ways to say: Like a loud beat, like pounding noise
Fun Fact/Origin: Drums make booming sounds, just like thunder does during a storm.
Usage: Used when thunder sounds deep and steady.
2. Thunder is like a lion’s roar
Meaning: A fierce, growling sound that scares people
Example Sentence:
– Thunder roared like a lion in the wild.
– The sky growled like a lion before the rain started.
Other ways to say: Like a beast growling, like a wild animal
Fun Fact/Origin: Lions roar to show power, just like thunder feels strong.
Usage: Used when thunder sounds loud and wild.
3. Thunder is like bowling balls crashing
Meaning: Sounds like heavy things slamming together
Example Sentence:
– The thunder crashed like bowling balls hitting pins.
– It sounded like someone bowling in the clouds.
Other ways to say: Like crashing sounds, like heavy hits
Fun Fact/Origin: People often compare thunder to this because of the loud clatter.
Usage: Used when thunder feels heavy and clunky.
4. Thunder is like a giant’s footsteps
Meaning: Feels like something huge is walking
Example Sentence:
– Thunder thumped like a giant walking through the sky.
– It felt like a giant stomping above us.
Other ways to say: Like stomping feet, like shaking steps
Fun Fact/Origin: Imagining giants helps explain loud, rumbling noises to kids.
Usage: Used when thunder rumbles slowly and deeply.
5. Thunder is like a hammer hitting steel
Meaning: A sharp, echoing boom
Example Sentence:
– The thunder struck like a hammer on metal.
– It cracked through the sky like steel being hit.
Other ways to say: Like clanging metal, like banging tools
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal sounds echo, like thunder bouncing through clouds.
Usage: Used when thunder is sudden and sharp.
6. Thunder is like a train rushing past
Meaning: A long, rolling, loud sound
Example Sentence:
– The thunder rumbled like a train racing by.
– It sounded like a freight train in the clouds.
Other ways to say: Like a rolling noise, like a loud engine
Fun Fact/Origin: Trains are powerful and loud, just like thunder can feel.
Usage: Used when thunder keeps going and feels like it’s moving.
7. Thunder is like a drumroll before a surprise
Meaning: A build-up sound before something big
Example Sentence:
– The thunder rolled like a drumroll before a big moment.
– It kept building like a surprise was about to happen.
Other ways to say: Like a lead-up, like something is coming
Fun Fact/Origin: Drumrolls are used in shows and games to build excitement.
Usage: Used when thunder comes in waves or grows louder.
8. Thunder is like fireworks exploding
Meaning: Loud and sudden bursts
Example Sentence:
– The thunder clapped like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
– It exploded in the sky like a firework show.
Other ways to say: Like booms in the air, like loud pops
Fun Fact/Origin: Fireworks and thunder both surprise people with loud noise.
Usage: Used when thunder is quick and very loud.
9. Thunder is like a growl from the clouds
Meaning: A deep, rumbling noise
Example Sentence:
– The clouds growled like a big dog.
– Thunder came like a growl from above.
Other ways to say: Like grumbling sounds, like low growls
Fun Fact/Origin: Growling animals help explain scary, low thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder feels slow and deep.
10. Thunder is like a car backfiring
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected bang
Example Sentence:
– The thunder popped like a car backfiring on the street.
– It was loud and fast, like a car engine going wrong.
Other ways to say: Like a pop, like a quick bang
Fun Fact/Origin: Backfires are loud noises from car engines.
Usage: Used when thunder sounds short and loud.
11. Thunder is like a cannon blast
Meaning: A booming, powerful sound
Example Sentence:
– Thunder exploded like a cannon blast in the sky.
– It sounded like an old war cannon going off.
Other ways to say: Like a gunshot, like a battle sound
Fun Fact/Origin: Cannons are loud and echo, just like thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder feels strong and scary.
12. Thunder is like dishes crashing in the kitchen
Meaning: Sudden, clattering noise
Example Sentence:
– It sounded like someone dropped all the plates.
– Thunder crashed like broken dishes on the floor.
Other ways to say: Like loud clatter, like breaking things
Fun Fact/Origin: Many compare loud household sounds to thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder is short and loud.
13. Thunder is like an angry shout from the sky
Meaning: Feels like the sky is yelling
Example Sentence:
– The thunder sounded like a loud, angry yell.
– It felt like the clouds were shouting at us.
Other ways to say: Like yelling, like a loud voice
Fun Fact/Origin: People often use emotions to describe natural sounds.
Usage: Used when thunder feels strong and emotional.
14. Thunder is like bricks falling from the sky
Meaning: A heavy, crashing sound
Example Sentence:
– The thunder dropped like a pile of bricks.
– It hit the air like heavy blocks tumbling.
Other ways to say: Like crashing blocks, like falling weight
Fun Fact/Origin: Bricks make a thud when they fall—like thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder sounds thick and heavy.
15. Thunder is like a monster waking up
Meaning: A slow, deep rumble like something big
Example Sentence:
– Thunder rumbled like a giant monster waking.
– It growled like something huge under the ground.
Other ways to say: Like a beast stirring, like a scary sound
Fun Fact/Origin: Imagining creatures helps make thunder less scary for kids.
Usage: Used when thunder rolls in slowly.
16. Thunder is like popcorn popping
Meaning: Quick, repeating booms
Example Sentence:
– The thunder popped like popcorn in a microwave.
– It kept snapping like little fireworks.
Other ways to say: Like tiny bursts, like crackles
Fun Fact/Origin: Popping is often used to describe small, fast sounds.
Usage: Used when thunder comes in quick flashes.
17. Thunder is like someone slamming a door
Meaning: A sudden bang that surprises you
Example Sentence:
– The sky slammed shut like a giant door.
– It boomed like someone closing a door hard.
Other ways to say: Like a sudden stop, like a sharp noise
Fun Fact/Origin: Many people use door sounds to describe thunder’s suddenness.
Usage: Used when thunder is short, fast, and loud.
18. Thunder is like a jackhammer in the clouds
Meaning: Repeating loud banging
Example Sentence:
– Thunder pounded like a jackhammer in the sky.
– It sounded like roadwork above the house.
Other ways to say: Like machine noise, like pounding tools
Fun Fact/Origin: Jackhammers are noisy and hard to ignore—like thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder keeps banging in bursts.
19. Thunder is like a bear growling in a cave
Meaning: A deep, echoing rumble
Example Sentence:
– Thunder echoed like a bear in a dark cave.
– It felt like an animal hiding in the sky.
Other ways to say: Like an echo, like a low sound
Fun Fact/Origin: Bears are often used in stories to explain scary sounds.
Usage: Used when thunder rumbles quietly but deeply.
20. Thunder is like a dog barking in the clouds
Meaning: A short, loud sound from the sky
Example Sentence:
– Thunder barked like a big dog above the roof.
– It yapped like a guard dog in the air.
Other ways to say: Like barking, like sudden noise
Fun Fact/Origin: Dog sounds help explain thunder to young kids.
Usage: Used when thunder is sudden and sharp.
21. Thunder is like waves crashing on rocks
Meaning: Repeated booming sounds
Example Sentence:
– The thunder rolled like ocean waves on cliffs.
– It hit the air again and again like surf hitting shore.
Other ways to say: Like repeating booms, like water slams
Fun Fact/Origin: Ocean waves and thunder can both feel big and endless.
Usage: Used when thunder keeps coming in waves.
22. Thunder is like a loud speaker turning on
Meaning: A buzzing pop before sound begins
Example Sentence:
– The sky buzzed and popped like a speaker starting up.
– Thunder came on like a loudspeaker at a game.
Other ways to say: Like tech sounds, like starting buzz
Fun Fact/Origin: Electronics often make odd noises, like thunder starting up.
Usage: Used when thunder starts with a buzzing sound.
23. Thunder is like a rocket blasting off
Meaning: A big, building roar
Example Sentence:
– The thunder blasted like a space rocket launch.
– It rose in volume like a rocket taking off.
Other ways to say: Like rising noise, like a zoom
Fun Fact/Origin: Rockets make long, growing booms like some thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder builds loudly.
24. Thunder is like a crash on a racetrack
Meaning: Loud, metal-smashing sound
Example Sentence:
– Thunder sounded like a crash during a race.
– It clanged like cars slamming together.
Other ways to say: Like a car wreck, like a bang
Fun Fact/Origin: Car crashes are often loud and sudden—like thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder is loud and fast.
25. Thunder is like stomping boots on a wooden floor
Meaning: Rhythmic, heavy thuds
Example Sentence:
– It sounded like boots stomping upstairs.
– Thunder thudded like footsteps overhead.
Other ways to say: Like stomps, like a march
Fun Fact/Origin: Boots make loud echoes, much like thunder indoors.
Usage: Used when thunder is heavy and repeated.
26. Thunder is like rocks tumbling down a hill
Meaning: A rolling, crashing sound
Example Sentence:
– The thunder rolled like boulders falling down a mountain.
– It sounded like a rockslide in the sky.
Other ways to say: Like crashing stones, like rolling debris
Fun Fact/Origin: Landslides make a deep, rumbling noise—similar to thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder feels like it’s rolling across the sky.
27. Thunder is like a superhero landing
Meaning: A sudden, booming crash
Example Sentence:
– The sky cracked like a superhero landing on the ground.
– It sounded like someone slammed into the earth from above.
Other ways to say: Like a loud smash, like a surprise entrance
Fun Fact/Origin: Action scenes in movies often have thunder-like crashes.
Usage: Used when thunder is bold and dramatic.
28. Thunder is like a balloon popping
Meaning: A sharp, quick burst
Example Sentence:
– The thunder snapped like a balloon popping near your ear.
– It was sudden and loud, like a balloon burst.
Other ways to say: Like a quick bang, like a surprise noise
Fun Fact/Origin: Popping balloons startle people just like thunder can.
Usage: Used when thunder comes fast and unexpectedly.
29. Thunder is like a metal gate slamming shut
Meaning: A hard, echoing noise
Example Sentence:
– Thunder crashed like a heavy gate closing fast.
– It clanged like something metal being slammed.
Other ways to say: Like a clang, like a door slam
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal gates make echoing sounds similar to thunder in the sky.
Usage: Used when thunder has a metallic or echoing sound.
30. Thunder is like a pile of books falling off a shelf
Meaning: Loud thud followed by smaller bumps
Example Sentence:
– Thunder hit like a tower of books falling to the floor.
– It sounded like crashing pages and covers.
Other ways to say: Like a crash, like tumbling stuff
Fun Fact/Origin: Falling books have a unique mix of thuds and flaps, like some thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder feels jumbled and uneven.
31. Thunder is like a garage door slamming down
Meaning: A quick, heavy drop and bang
Example Sentence:
– It slammed like a garage door dropping too fast.
– Thunder boomed like something closing hard.
Other ways to say: Like a metal slam, like a loud fall
Fun Fact/Origin: Garage doors make booming sounds when shut fast—like thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder has a mechanical, heavy drop sound.
32. Thunder is like a truck hitting a pothole
Meaning: A deep, sharp bump
Example Sentence:
– Thunder bumped like a truck hitting a big hole in the road.
– It jarred the air like a sudden road thump.
Other ways to say: Like a road jolt, like a thud
Fun Fact/Origin: Trucks hitting potholes are loud and sudden—like thunder.
Usage: Used when thunder has a jarring, rough feel.
33. Thunder is like a robot falling down stairs
Meaning: A loud, clunky crash
Example Sentence:
– It clanged like metal parts tumbling down stairs.
– Thunder sounded like a robot tripping over.
Other ways to say: Like metal crashing, like a tumble
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal-on-metal sounds help explain thunder’s roughness.
Usage: Used when thunder has many loud, mixed noises.
34. Thunder is like someone banging on a trash can
Meaning: A loud, tinny racket
Example Sentence:
– Thunder crashed like someone hitting a metal trash can.
– It made the sky sound messy and loud.
Other ways to say: Like tin clanging, like a loud bash
Fun Fact/Origin: Trash can banging is used in shows and cartoons for loud effects.
Usage: Used when thunder is wild and metallic.
35. Thunder is like a giant sneezing
Meaning: A sudden, strong burst of noise
Example Sentence:
– The sky sneezed like a giant with a cold.
– Thunder exploded like a huge sneeze.
Other ways to say: Like a burst, like a big noise
Fun Fact/Origin: Sneezes are fast and loud, a fun way to explain thunder to kids.
Usage: Used when thunder is quick and surprisingly loud.
Quiz: Similes for Thunder
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “Thunder is like a drum in the sky” mean?
A) Thunder is quiet and soft
B) Thunder is deep and loud like a drum
C) Thunder is fast and light
2. If someone says, “Thunder is like a lion’s roar,” what does that show?
A) Thunder is calm and gentle
B) Thunder is soft and friendly
C) Thunder is fierce and loud
3. What does “Thunder is like bowling balls crashing” describe?
A) A quiet sound
B) A heavy, crashing noise
C) A whistling sound
4. When someone says, “Thunder is like a train rushing past,” they mean:
A) Thunder is slow and quiet
B) Thunder is fast and rolling
C) Thunder is soft and bouncy
5. What does “Thunder is like fireworks exploding” tell us?
A) Thunder is sudden and loud
B) Thunder is small and colorful
C) Thunder is silent and far away
6. “Thunder is like a growl from the clouds” suggests what?
A) The clouds are whispering
B) The clouds are humming
C) Thunder sounds deep and low, like a growl
7. What does “Thunder is like a hammer hitting steel” describe?
A) A sharp, echoing sound
B) A soft tapping sound
C) A slow, gentle beat
8. If someone says, “Thunder is like dishes crashing,” what does it mean?
A) Thunder is smooth and quiet
B) Thunder sounds like clanging and breaking
C) Thunder feels like music
9. What does “Thunder is like a giant’s footsteps” mean?
A) Thunder is tiny and far away
B) Thunder is steady and deep, like stomping
C) Thunder is light and quick
10. What does “Thunder is like a balloon popping” describe?
A) A fast, loud burst
B) A slow, long roll
C) A soft puff
11. If someone says, “Thunder is like waves crashing on rocks,” what do they mean?
A) Thunder is slow and sleepy
B) Thunder is smooth like water
C) Thunder comes in repeating booms
12. What does “Thunder is like a robot falling down stairs” suggest?
A) Thunder is full of metal-like crashing sounds
B) Thunder is sweet and soft
C) Thunder is like singing
13. “Thunder is like a giant sneezing” means what?
A) Thunder sounds like a gentle breeze
B) Thunder is sudden and strong, like a big sneeze
C) Thunder is quiet and calm
Answer Key
- B – Thunder is deep and loud like a drum
- C – Thunder is fierce and loud
- B – A heavy, crashing noise
- B – Thunder is fast and rolling
- A – Thunder is sudden and loud
- C – Thunder sounds deep and low, like a growl
- A – A sharp, echoing sound
- B – Thunder sounds like clanging and breaking
- B – Thunder is steady and deep, like stomping
- A – A fast, loud burst
- C – Thunder comes in repeating booms
- A – Thunder is full of metal-like crashing sounds
- B – Thunder is sudden and strong, like a big sneeze
Wrapping Up
Thunder is a powerful sound that many people describe in creative ways. By using similes, we can better understand how thunder feels, sounds, and even how it moves. These comparisons make it easier to talk about storms and share what we feel when the sky rumbles. Whether it’s like a drum, a train, or a lion, each simile helps us picture thunder more clearly. Now you can try making your own thunder simile too.
