loud
16 synonyms and 9 antonyms for loud, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Producing a lot of sound; not quiet.
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.
Antonyms
How to use loud
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hlud, meaning "noisy" or "famous," ultimately from a root meaning "to hear" — the same root gives us "listen" and the Latin-derived word "laud" (praise).
Full origin of loud →Frequently asked questions
What does “loud” mean?
The word “loud” means producing a lot of sound; not quiet. In plain terms, making a lot of noise, or (of clothes/patterns) flashy and attention-grabbing.
How do you pronounce “loud”?
“Loud” is pronounced LOWD (/ˈlaʊ̯d/ in IPA).
How do you use “loud” in a sentence?
Here is “loud” used in a sentence: “The concert was so loud we could feel the bass in our chests.”
What is another word for “loud”?
Words with a similar meaning to “loud” include ample, blaring, forceful, forte, fortissimo and noisy.
What is the opposite of “loud”?
The opposite of “loud” — its antonyms — are quiet, silent, soft, calm and low.
What part of speech is “loud”?
“Loud” is an adjective.
Where does the word “loud” come from?
The word “loud” comes from Latin. From Old English hlud, meaning "noisy" or "famous," ultimately from a root meaning "to hear" — the same root gives us "listen" and the Latin-derived word "laud" (praise).
Is “loud” a common word?
“Loud” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between loud and noisy?
Loud simply describes a high volume of sound, which may be pleasant or wanted, like loud music at a concert. Noisy suggests sound that is unwanted, harsh, or disturbing, and often involves a jumble of different sounds. So something can be loud without being noisy, and noisy without being especially loud.
What is the opposite of loud?
The main opposites are "quiet," "soft," and "faint," all describing low levels of sound. "Silent" or "noiseless" go further, meaning no sound at all. When "loud" describes bright, garish colours or clothing, its opposites shift instead to words like "muted," "subtle," or "understated."
Can 'loud' describe colours or clothes?
Yes. Beyond sound, "loud" is often used for colours, patterns, or outfits that are excessively bright, bold, or gaudy, as in "a loud Hawaiian shirt." Used this way it usually carries a hint of criticism, suggesting something is a little too much for comfortable or tasteful surroundings.
How is loudness measured?
Loudness relates to the intensity of sound, which is measured in decibels (dB). A whisper sits around 30 decibels, normal conversation around 60, and a rock concert can exceed 110. Because the scale is logarithmic, each ten-decibel rise represents a large jump, and sustained high levels can damage hearing.