Synonyms of boisterous

boisterous

adjective

ˈbȯi-st(ə-)rəs 

as in raucous

being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way

the fans at the baseball game became particularly boisterous after the home run

Synonyms & Similar Words

• raucous
• rowdy
• rambunctious
• lively
• rumbustious
• noisy
• rollicking
• violent
• robustious
• wild and woolly
• carnival
• roisterous
• hell-raising
• knockabout
• screaming
• riotous
• exuberant
• wild
• raffish
• bubbly
• uninhibited
• turbulent
• uncontrolled
• uncontrollable
• ruffianly
• unruly
• obstreperous
• carnivalesque
• undisciplined
• vivacious
• impassioned
• unmanageable
• vociferous
• high-spirited
• rampageous
• headstrong
• effervescent
• yelling
• tempestuous
• buoyant
• strident
• sprightly
• recalcitrant
• unrestrained
• larrikin
• unreserved
• stormy
• intractable
• ungovernable
• rowdyish
• loudmouthed
• clamorous
• willful
• rackety
• howling
• callithumpian
• open-mouthed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• orderly
• solemn
• somber
• sedate
• staid
• dignified
• sober
• silent
• quiet
• proper
• decorous
• calm
• peaceful
• restrained
• placid
• serene
• tranquil
• composed
• hushed
• seemly
• controlled
• noiseless
• collected
• subdued
• unflappable
• unruffled
• moderate
• reasonable
• imperturbable
• inhibited
• soundless
• repressed
• constrained
• temperate
• phlegmatic
• stoic
• stolid
• impassive
• aloof
• indifferent
• depressed
• detached
• self-controlled

Synonym Chooser

How is the word boisterous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of boisterous are blatant, clamorous, obstreperous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When would blatant be a good substitute for boisterous?

The words blatant and boisterous can be used in similar contexts, but blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music

a blatant clamor for impeachment

When is it sensible to use clamorous instead of boisterous?

While in some cases nearly identical to boisterous, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

In what contexts can obstreperous take the place of boisterous?

The meanings of obstreperous and boisterous largely overlap; however, obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would strident be a reasonable alternative to boisterous?

While the synonyms strident and boisterous are close in meaning, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

When is vociferous a more appropriate choice than boisterous?

In some situations, the words vociferous and boisterous are roughly equivalent. However, vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of boisterous

The Clip 2 buds have the right kind of sound for open earbuds, providing boisterous, energetic mids and punchy mid-bass. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026

On July 8, Hancock read the text to a large and boisterous crowd in Philadelphia. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

My family had a boisterous rescue dog, who was full-grown but often acted like a puppy. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Another boisterous ovation came after Williams clinched a tiebreaker to win the second set. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026