retentissant

Meaning (in English)

Retentissant means resounding or reverberating (literally: making a loud echo). Figuratively, it often means widely publicized, striking, sensational, or having a big impact—something that “makes a lot of noise” in public opinion.

• Literal sense: a sound that echoes or rings out strongly.
  Un bruit retentissant = a resounding noise.
• Figurative sense: an event or result that is high-profile or very notable.
  Un succès retentissant = a resounding / huge success.
  Un scandale retentissant = a major / widely reported scandal.

Parts / formation

• Comes from the verb retentir = “to resound, to echo.”
• Related noun: retentissement = “repercussion, resonance, impact (often public/media impact).”

French synonyms

Depending on the sense:

• Literal (sound): sonore, résonnant, éclatant
• Figurative (impact/publicity): marquant, frappant, spectaculaire, remarquable, notoire, à grand retentissement

French antonyms

Depending on the sense:

• Literal (sound): étouffé, sourd (as in “muffled”), faible
• Figurative (impact/publicity): discret, insignifiant, passé inaperçu