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
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Recent Examples of rousing
Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
By the time Embiid helped put some distance between the Pacers, Maxey was subbed out for good late in the fourth and earned a rousing ovation from Sixers fans.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
Playing the first of a two-show run in New York, Esdeekid took the stage at Bowery Ballroom, adorned in his now signature face covering and delivering a rousing set to the crowd, where everyone from teens to trendy millennials was eager to catch a glimpse of the latest viral phenomenon.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Adjective
Its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival brought a rousing ovation — maybe that metric does hold some water — and mixed reviews that picked apart the film’s pacing and characterization and the audacity of ending with a Lord Bryon quote over one from Shelley.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
By the time Embiid helped put some distance between the Pacers, Maxey was subbed out for good late in the fourth and earned a rousing ovation from Sixers fans.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Home country figure skaters also have cause to celebrate, with Italian Matteo Rizzo’s emotional skate to an Interstellar medley yielding a rousing performance.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
Playing the first of a two-show run in New York, Esdeekid took the stage at Bowery Ballroom, adorned in his now signature face covering and delivering a rousing set to the crowd, where everyone from teens to trendy millennials was eager to catch a glimpse of the latest viral phenomenon.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rousing
Adjective
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Go Beachcombing On Cumberland Island Beach Cumberland’s history and ruins are fascinating, but its natural beauty is breathtaking.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
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Perched at about 6,200 feet, away from the hustle and bustle of the village, Restaurant La Marlénaz offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the ski resort.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There is plenty to see and do in Jamaica's vibrant capital city, from the must-visit Bob Marley Museum and the National Gallery of Jamaica to award-winning restaurants and buzzing dance halls.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
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Just off the gondola entrance sits Club Moritzino, one of the Dolomites’ most enduring mountain huts and a buzzing lunch and apres-ski destination.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In relating her story this way, Gisèle is restoring to the record her waking life.—
Gaby Wood,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
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Research suggests women with worse vasomotor symptoms tend to have lower-than-normal waking cortisol, which can make getting going in the morning especially hard.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
-
Easy but exciting paths that felt like true tree lines to them.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
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Though just touring the building would have been exciting enough, on Saturday night Studio One — Abbey Road’s biggest space, typically used for recording film soundtracks — was transformed into a dance hall.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Breakfast is a busy affair, but those in signature suites can eat in the lounge (soon to be renovated but with a great view) or order room service.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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Soundstages in Los Angeles would be busy, thousands of people would be working in those few months early in the year, producing shows that ranged from all-time classics to all-time blunders.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While there’s no evidence the bacteria are harmful to humans, awakening microbes that have lain dormant for thousands of years may sound like the plot of a sci-fi novel or movie.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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The mystery starts with a fireball crashing into a remote woodland, awakening a terrifying creature hidden in the depths.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The stage was set in the Ed Burns Coffee Pot Tournament for a thrilling Div.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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Head coach Marc Skinner’s team also played a thrilling home game at Old Trafford against Paris Saint-Germain in November, though the sub-15,000 attendance was underwhelming.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rousing. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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