adj

deafening

DEH-fuh-nihng

Deafening (adj) means So loud it seems to overwhelm the ability to hear anything else. Example: “The explosion was deafening.”

adj

So loud it seems to overwhelm the ability to hear anything else.

"The explosion was deafening."

"There was a deafening silence after he made the announcement."

How to use deafening

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely loud, or (used ironically) an extremely noticeable silence.

Common pairings

deafening roar deafening silence deafening applause

Word forms

more deafening comparative, deafenings plural, most deafening superlative

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The explosion was _____.

Rhymes for deafening

evening opening widening awakening happening weakening maddening listening gardening sickening fattening screening

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Frequently asked questions

What does “deafening” mean?

The word “deafening” means so loud it seems to overwhelm the ability to hear anything else. In plain terms, extremely loud, or (used ironically) an extremely noticeable silence.

How do you pronounce “deafening”?

“Deafening” is pronounced DEH-fuh-nihng (/ˈdɛfənɪŋ(ɡ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “deafening” in a sentence?

Here is “deafening” used in a sentence: “The explosion was deafening.”

What part of speech is “deafening”?

“Deafening” is an adjective.