1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
a rousing rendition of our national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
during the heat wave stores were doing a rousing business in air conditioners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in waking
to cause to stop sleeping
the honking horns roused her from a deep sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in awaking
to cease to be asleep
I finally roused around noon, after going to bed very late
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 rousing
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
The Masters got off to a rousing start in Thursday’s first round, with defending champion Rory McIlroy claiming a share of the lead with a 5-under 67.
—Rod Beard, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Even after Charles delivered an address to Congress that implicitly refuted some core tenets of Trumpism—there was an ode to limits on executive power, a defense of NATO and Ukraine, a rousing call to protect the natural world—Trump raved about it ahead of the state dinner that night.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Adjective
One of the most rousing action-comedies ever made, and one that possesses an undeniable heft in its practical effects, The General builds beautifully off of its premise to create a handful of cinema’s most dizzying, entertaining chase sequences.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
The Masters got off to a rousing start in Thursday’s first round, with defending champion Rory McIlroy claiming a share of the lead with a 5-under 67.
—Rod Beard, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
In her cell, surrounded by her fellow rabble-rousing women, Deborah works the room.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Even after Charles delivered an address to Congress that implicitly refuted some core tenets of Trumpism—there was an ode to limits on executive power, a defense of NATO and Ukraine, a rousing call to protect the natural world—Trump raved about it ahead of the state dinner that night.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rousing
Adjective
-
The clear turquoise waters of the Outer Hebrides are breathtaking–freezing–but breathtaking!—
Riza Cruz,
Vogue,
11 May 2026
-
The park was established in 1910 and features seemingly endless acres of rugged and breathtaking landscapes and historic national park lodges.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Along my walkway and all over my neighborhood, nasturtium flowers are opening like bright orange suns, fragrant lavender is attracting buzzing bees, and rosemary bushes are beginning to brighten with baby blue flowers.—
Senior Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
Drawing inspiration from both family recipes and a buzzing street food culture, Ngon’s dishes are vibrant and packed with flavor.—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Use for 20 to 30 minutes within the first hour of waking.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 May 2026
-
Dawn simulators like Philips SmartSleep and Lumie gradually brighten before waking to mimic sunrise.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
In Hocus Pocus, Dani, her older brother Max (Omri Katz) and his crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw) have to save the children of Salem, Massachusetts after accidentally awaking the witch Sanderson sisters from their 300-year slumber.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Tirso Ornelas’ seventh-inning grand slam triggered a late-game awaking as Triple-A El Paso beat host Sugar Land 13-2 on Wednesday.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Anderson, like Wharton, is exciting but would also be extremely expensive, probably north of £100million.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 A bold move could set exciting momentum in motion today.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pool service can be a bit slow during busy times, but once your perfectly prepared daiquiri arrives, all is forgiven.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
The possible labor action has raised concerns about how the park could operate during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, particularly as schools begin letting out for summer break.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
What the Cortisol Awakening Response Actually Is The cortisol awakening response is the rapid surge of cortisol across the first 30 to 45 minutes after waking, per a January 2025 review in Endocrine Reviews.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2026
-
As temperatures climb and trees bud with the arrival of spring, a native frog species is awakening after months being frozen and nearly dead.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What makes the story so thrilling is watching an outsider learn how to open those doors, bluff by bluff, and for a while make the system work for him.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
7 May 2026
-
The beloved broadcaster – who turns 100 this week – has been making thrilling and informative shows about the wonders of our planet for decades, spanning everything from the reptiles that roamed the Earth 66 million years ago to the wildlife battling for survival in sub-zero polar regions.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rousing. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
