deaf·en·ing
ˈde-fə-niŋ 
ˈdef-niŋ
2
: very loud : earsplitting
fell with a deafening clap
3
sometimes offensive
: very noticeable
Their silence on the issue was deafening.
deafeningly
adverb
deafening
2 of 2present participle of deafen
Examples of deafening in a Sentence
Adjective
the deafening roar of the planes
a boom box blasting deafening music
Recent Examples on the Web
CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The incessant sales pitches are buffeted by the usual deafening pounding music, which makes Vin Scully Avenue seem like Las Vegas Boulevard.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
That didn’t stop the Chicago Blackhawks from giving Bears coach Ben Johnson a shoutout — one that was met with a deafening roar from the United Center.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
That exchange incited a deafening roar from the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deafening
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.
Adjective
Records say the sound created a deafening roar across Copenhagen.
—CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The incessant sales pitches are buffeted by the usual deafening pounding music, which makes Vin Scully Avenue seem like Las Vegas Boulevard.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
That didn’t stop the Chicago Blackhawks from giving Bears coach Ben Johnson a shoutout — one that was met with a deafening roar from the United Center.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
That exchange incited a deafening roar from the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deafening
Cite this Entry
“Deafening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deafening. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
