RIOTOUS Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

riotous

adjective

ˈrī-ə-təs

Definition of riotous

as in humorous

causing or intended to cause laughter his riotous mugging always has everyone in hysterics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts a painting by that artist is usually a riotous display of color

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 riotous The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in. — Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 Guns is an actor and writer, known for her razor-sharp observations and riotous voice. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 The Musical’ Baz Luhrmann’s 2011 movie musical is lush and riotous. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 22 June 2026 Part slasher parody, part meta commentary on the structure of horror movies, and fully riotous, Behind the Mask is a dreadfully under-appreciated contribution to the subgenre that would have made for a terrific franchise. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for riotous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for riotous

Adjective

Unlike ghosts, vampires have physical form and can interact directly with humans; like ghosts, vampires live forever, allowing for a humorous juxtaposition of characters from many points in time in one unhappy household.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Different views on the topic Hilton defends the ad as a humorous, provocative way to reach Californians who are dissatisfied with the state’s direction but might not ordinarily consider voting Republican.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of humorous

Adjective

The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
As a whole, the ballet’s arc can feel unfocussed, arhythmic—some parts overstuffed with action, others failing to fill with expressive movement Joby Talbot’s lavish score.

— Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

Ditka holds his own among the professional actors, and had a nice touch for comedic timing.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Clips from standup specials by George Carlin, Paul Mooney, Neal Brennan and Hasan Minhaj inject much needed comedic relief about American history.

— Beandrea July, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of comedic

Adjective

During their interviews, Haddock said the researchers found a lack of recognition by firefighters that their consumption levels were considered excessive.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Inland, southern San Bernardino County faces at least a 40% chance of excessive rain that could result in flash flooding through Saturday night, said Julie Phillipson, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Verity is indisposed, and her husband, Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), is looking for someone to take over her series and come stay at their Vermont house and go through his wife’s copious notes and outlines.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
She has been incapacitated after a car accident but has left copious notes for the next book in a series.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of copious

Adjective

Soon, though, Sutskever also catches the eye of Altman and his partner Elon Musk (an amusing Ike Barinholtz, nailing him).

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
There's a tricky tonal balance in treating the lawyers' gasp-inducing ruthlessness as entertaining and even amusing while also allowing its consequences to be clear.

— Linda Holmes, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
But coyotes, with their abundant numbers and reputation as nuisances, are not.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of abundant

Browse Nearby Words

riot acts

riotous

riotously

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“Riotous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riotous. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of riotous

adjective

Example Sentences

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