AROUSE Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

arouse

verb

ə-ˈrau̇z

Definition of arouse

as in to awaken

to cause to stop sleeping the rooster's crow aroused me from my deep sleep

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to awake

to cease to be asleep set the alarm so we would arouse at 5:00 a.m.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of arouse 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 Making the set attractive to the children will arouse their interest, encourage them to keep playing and push them to improve. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arouse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for arouse

Verb

The picture unfolds against the backdrop of a family digital detox vacation in a house in a Swedish forest which takes a terrifying turn when a teenager discovers an old modem and unwittingly awakens a dormant, sadistic demon when it is fired up.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
There is still time for the Republican Party to awaken from its slumber and stand up in the history of our nation for freedom-loving peoples across Europe.

— Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of awaken

Verb

The Heat awoke Tuesday as the NBA’s only 0-4 team and thoroughly bewildered about how a group that fashioned itself a contender could continue to perform so poorly.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
Reaves was held scoreless during the first quarter, but awoke for 15 points in the second.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of awake

Verb

The best of these films are simultaneously suspenseful, thought-provoking and dazzling.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
In his view, the peaceful crowds that greeted Machado on Sunday undermined arguments that her return would necessarily provoke unrest.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

Quite the letdown from those rousing performances in Games 2 and 3.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026
The federal government’s understanding (or misunderstanding, according to bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell) of the 2nd Amendment all begins with the tale of a rabble-rousing 17th century English nobleman.

— Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of rouse

Verb

Though the board does not have the authority to forgive the charges, which will still be due by the end of the year, board President Allan Marks encouraged residents to enroll in programs that could help alleviate rising costs.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
According to Ueda, an enthusiastic online response encouraged its adaptation to feature length and a theatrical release.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

This potentially removes the need to add a separate immune-stimulating ingredient to the vaccine.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Ear seeding is a needle-free acupuncture technique that uses small beads held to the ear with adhesive to stimulate specific pressure points.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulate

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arousals

arouse

aroused

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“Arouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arouse. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of arouse

verb

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