Synonyms of arouse

arouse

verb

ə-ˈrau̇z 

1

as in to awaken

to cause to stop sleeping

the rooster's crow aroused me from my deep sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• awaken
• wake
• rouse
• awake
• waken
• knock up
• provoke
• excite
• stimulate
• stir
• raise
• revive
• reawaken
• rout
• disturb
• roust
• bestir
• agitate
• rewake

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lull
• hypnotize
• mesmerize

2

as in to awake

to cease to be asleep

set the alarm so we would arouse at 5:00 a.m.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• awake
• wake
• awaken
• rouse
• waken
• rise
• watch
• arise
• roll out
• revive
• reawaken
• stir
• turn out
• get up
• uprise
• rewake
• shift

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drop off
• sleep
• rest
• nod
• slumber
• doze
• turn in
• bed (down)
• snooze
• retire
• nap
• couch
• sleep in
• conk (off or out)
• flop
• lie up
• doss (down)
• catnap
• kip (down)
• sack out
• oversleep

3

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the court's controversial decision aroused many to protest and to lobby the legislature for a constitutional amendment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• inspire
• excite
• stir
• incite
• motivate
• spark
• induce
• instigate
• pique
• motive
• move
• fire (up)
• rev (up)
• trigger
• impassion
• drive
• ignite
• inflame
• anger
• galvanize
• activate
• energize
• kindle
• quicken
• foment
• bother
• animate
• build a fire under
• set off
• vitalize
• enrage
• key (up)
• fan
• annoy
• irritate
• aggravate
• ferment
• abet
• exasperate
• raise
• upset
• whip (up)
• pump up
• tease
• taunt
• vex
• get
• jeer
• madden
• gall

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• soothe
• subdue
• appease
• placate
• tranquilize
• pacify
• mollify

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of arouse

His efforts, however, encountered their greatest obstacle after World War II due to the suspicions aroused by Philip’s family’s uncomfortable ties to the Nazis. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

In an unexpected move, China blocked tech company Meta from acquiring artificial intelligence startup Manus in April, after the deal apparently aroused government concern about the transfer of advanced technology. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

In an unexpected move, China blocked tech giant Meta from acquiring artificial intelligence startup Manus in April after the deal apparently aroused government concern about the transfer of advanced technology. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Like spacious minor-key chords given a subtle major-key lift, these color combinations can arouse powerful emotions that are excruciatingly just short of fulfillment. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026