Sonorous rale, also known as rhonchus, refers to a rattling or snoring sound that is often heard when a person breathes. This sound is usually caused by the narrowing of the airways, which causes the air to pass through them more forcefully than normal. Some of the synonyms for the sonorous rale include wheeze, crackle, rattle, snore, and gurgle. Each of these words describes a slightly different type of sound that can be heard when a person breathes. In some cases, the sonorous rale may be a sign of a more serious respiratory condition, so it is important to seek medical attention if it persists.