1
as in to awaken
to cause to stop sleeping
the rooster's crow aroused me from my deep sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
For various reasons—his kids are off from school during the robbery; his getaway driver drops out; his hotheaded gunman arouses suspicion—his haphazard caper doesn’t lead to riches.
—
Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
The titillating drama explores the complexities of dominant-submissive relationships and fetishes, as Ray gets aroused by making Colin lick his boots, buy his groceries and sleep at the foot of his bed.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
But then Swift reveals the full conceit of the song, which is how flattering and even arousing it is to hear about someone thinking about you constantly (even if for negative reasons).
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The scans aroused suspicions, and the decision was made to admit Jim through the emergency room.
—Ann Patchett, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arouse
Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
The titillating drama explores the complexities of dominant-submissive relationships and fetishes, as Ray gets aroused by making Colin lick his boots, buy his groceries and sleep at the foot of his bed.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
But then Swift reveals the full conceit of the song, which is how flattering and even arousing it is to hear about someone thinking about you constantly (even if for negative reasons).
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The scans aroused suspicions, and the decision was made to admit Jim through the emergency room.
—Ann Patchett, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arouse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arouse
Verb
-
As the siblings say grace before eating, Sean awakens, and Erin calls for a doctor.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Designed for an effortless curl, this seeks to awaken the eyes by reaching every lash without pinching.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Prosecutors allege that in October 2024, Spencer awoke to find his daughter missing from the family’s home, prompting him to leave to search for her.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Just hours after snorting the drug, Sarah awoke to find her girlfriend unresponsive beside her.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Not retaining his services would have provoked outrage.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
But the forcefulness of pastors' rhetoric about Kirk has provoked conflicting feelings for some believers.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the new Indonesian horror flick The Elixir, a new herbal potion concocted by a traditional medicine doctor accidentally wakes the dead, and now all Hell is breaking loose.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Weiss will never be woke enough for her critics, and that’s a good thing.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
By any definition, San Diego FC’s debut season has been a rousing success.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The development could set the two party leaders in the House up for a rousing debate over the government shutdown, which entered its 15th day on Wednesday.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Ultimately, the moment encouraged the Soviet population to agitate for household comforts.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Building a bat house can encourage them to stick around a little longer and eat up all those pesky insects.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This powerhouse ingredient, beloved by dermatologists and editors alike, is known for its ability to speed cell turnover and, in doing so, stimulate collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Those numbers will likely stimulate even further investment in circular offerings in the sector.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arouse. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share