Need more ways to describe loud sounds

[Androxine Vortex]

I noticed that I use the phrase, "The sound of ______ filled the air" or, "The air was filled with the sound of _____" i just can't seem to think of other ways to describe this. Any ideas?

 

[Aosto]

I think sound is hard to describe. I would lean more towards the message or emotion that it conveys. I can't begin to describe the sound of a screaming child. But the reader just knows.

 

[Ireth]

If you're looking for a way to fill in the blank, it all depends on what is making the sound, and the effect you want it to have on the reader. Let me see if I can come up with an example or three.

Human voices:
Sorrow - wailing, sobbing
Fear, Pain or Anger - screaming, shrieking, yelling, shouting

Other:
Horns - braying, trumpeting
Fire - crackling, roaring
Weapons - clashing, clamoring, clanging

If you're looking for an alternative to the phrase "filled the air", there are plenty of option there too.

"the X of Y shattered the silence."
"the X of Y echoed through the [things in the vicinity of the POV character; trees, streets, etc.]."
"the X of Y overwhelmed Character's senses."

Hope that's helpful.

 

[shangrila]

To carry on from Ireth's post, I've used 'shook' a number of times. I.e. the clash shook the trees/ground/air.