Definition of raucousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raucous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of raucous are earsplitting, loud, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

When is it sensible to use earsplitting instead of raucous?

The meanings of earsplitting and raucous largely overlap; however, earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

Where would loud be a reasonable alternative to raucous?

The words loud and raucous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When is stentorian a more appropriate choice than raucous?

The words stentorian and raucous can be used in similar contexts, but stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

When might strident be a better fit than raucous?

In some situations, the words strident and raucous are roughly equivalent. However, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

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 raucous Little House on the Prairie and Eraserhead star Charlotte Stewart is looking back on her raucous relationship with Jim Morrison. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 So, yes, the raucous, rowdy Bills crowds that sometimes stood the entire game at the old Highmark Stadium might be going away. Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The family watched the video of Gad’s tribute and the raucous applause that followed. Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 That’s good enough for always raucous Yankees fans and the perpetually harsh New York media. Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raucous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raucous
Adjective
  • There was no music and no hustle and bustle in Inwood on Sunday; just the sound of barricades being laid out in the normally boisterous neighborhood.
    Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The players were much bigger than Nikolich was at the time, the crowd was boisterous and the lights were exceedingly bright.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The little girl could be heard well over a rowdy crowd that had about been lulled into passiveness — and eventually, boos in the fifth round — in the humdrum title fight.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • What follows is a rowdy and uproarious road trip across America, inspired by Green Day’s early days of touring in a van, years before the release of their breakout record, Dookie.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s also a kids water park for the more rambunctious members of the family to get their energy out.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Enter a rambunctious alien, who crash-lands on Earth just when Lilo needs him the most.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Back at the hotel, rotating art, live performances, wellness programming, and seasonal events keep things lively.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • People have flocked there from California, Washington and Oregon, taking advantage of Boise's lower cost of living, relatively mild winters, and lively outdoor scene.
    CJ Haddad,Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Murphy then appeared on stage to a rollicking standing ovation and made his way to his place at the dais toward the back of the room.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Those self-aware lyrics are paired with breezy melody and a gently rollicking rhythm, making this feel like a freewheeling summertime favorite.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The longest track on the album at more than eight minutes, it’s built around a relentless two-note bass line and dangerously cowbell-adjacent percussion and features a whirlwind of samples and sweetly noisy meltdowns.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For tummy time, little ones can enjoy the bright mat, noisy maracas and activity toys.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The movie is both exquisite and rumbustious, stylized and energized.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 May 2022
  • Still, there’s a lot of pleasing vitality to this great American story about how clever brewers took an ancient idea and unlocked an unheard-of range of innovations with a combination of capitalist energy and rumbustious creativity.
    Kyle Smith, National Review, 18 Apr. 2021
Adjective
  • Hong Kong’s position as a once-outspoken corner of China has been upended in recent years by a national security crackdown following huge and often violent democracy protests that convulsed the city in 2019.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • New documents presented Thursday also illustrate a history of allegations of racist and violent behavior by Austin Metcalf and his twin brother, Hunter, among the character evidence that was not presented at the trial.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raucous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raucous. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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