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 classic posture is that the CEO needs to exhibit charisma, which is often characterized as boisterous, dominant and loud. —Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

The Purim holiday is usually marked with boisterous street parades and costume parties to celebrate the Jewish victory over an ancient Persian ruler. —ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026

Accompanied by boisterous drumming, puppeteers swept through the foyer and up the stairs with thunderous artistry. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026

The reactions over this week’s snowball fight were similar to those that followed a 2019 episode during a heat wave, when boisterous young people engaged in water fights were recorded on video tossing water at police officers. —Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026