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

Some complain that the boisterous, anthemic version on the album belies the cynical point of view of a Vietnam veteran. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025

The team, after all, is 13-1-3 at home this season — and throughout its four-season tenure has a remarkable home record furnished by one of the most beautifully boisterous fanbases in all of MLS. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025

My version is joyous chaos, filled with boisterous friends, rarely featuring a turkey, often ending with cake. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

The boisterous throng marched into City Hall, shouting and often drowning out city representatives. —Robert Wyss, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025