boom
18 synonyms and 2 antonyms for boom, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make a loud, deep, resonant sound.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To make a loud, deep, resonant sound.
“Thunder boomed across the valley.”
How to use boom
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
economic boom
baby boom
boom and bust
sonic boom
Etymology
Imitative in origin, echoing a deep, hollow sound; the economic sense of "rapid growth" likely grew out of the idea of things suddenly expanding, as in a loud burst.
Full origin of boom →Frequently asked questions
What does “boom” mean?
The word “boom” means to make a loud, deep, resonant sound. In plain terms, a loud deep noise, or a sudden surge of growth or success.
How do you pronounce “boom”?
“Boom” is pronounced boom (/bum/ in IPA).
How do you use “boom” in a sentence?
Here is “boom” used in a sentence: “Thunder boomed across the valley.”
What part of speech is “boom”?
Depending on how it is used, “boom” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “boom” a common word?
“Boom” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “boom” have?
“Boom” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a loud, deep, resonant sound.
What is the difference between a "boom" and a "bang"?
A boom is a loud, deep, resonant sound that echoes or lingers, such as distant thunder or an explosion. A bang is sharper and more sudden, like a door slamming or a single gunshot.
When should you use "boom" instead of "grow" for an economy?
Use "boom" when growth is rapid, strong, and often sudden, as in "the housing market is booming." "Grow" is the neutral, general term and can describe slow or steady increases as well.
