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
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
During perhaps the most rousing eulogy of all on Saturday, Jackson’s second-oldest son, Jonathan, referenced his father’s journey from then to now, while a who’s-who of faith leaders, heads of state, dignitaries, power brokers and celebrities mourned before him.
—Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Buckley, clad in an elegant red and pink strapless gown, accepted the accolade with a rousing speech, thanking her husband and the team behind the film, and gushing over the emotional complexity of motherhood.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Adjective
He was welcomed back by a rousing ovation Friday at Ball Arena.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
During perhaps the most rousing eulogy of all on Saturday, Jackson’s second-oldest son, Jonathan, referenced his father’s journey from then to now, while a who’s-who of faith leaders, heads of state, dignitaries, power brokers and celebrities mourned before him.
—Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
These days, Thomas is gearing up to release his rousing new album Moo before heading out on the Moo Tour, which kicks off in Brooklyn this April.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Buckley, clad in an elegant red and pink strapless gown, accepted the accolade with a rousing speech, thanking her husband and the team behind the film, and gushing over the emotional complexity of motherhood.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rousing
Adjective
-
There is, however, a fitness center equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and resistance training, as well as an outdoor yoga platform with breathtaking vantage points and complimentary classes offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during sunrise.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The story of the shoot, at the real-life club, in midtown Manhattan, is a breathtaking adventure.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
On the handful of occasions in each game between them when Jokic catches at the elbow and his teammates clear out, an anxious hush invariably falls over a buzzing arena.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Even the most cursory tour of local highlights will take you from the 2,000-year-old remains of Emperor Tiberius's cliff-top Villa Jovis to the still-buzzing purveyor of Jackie Kennedy's iconic sandals—Canfora, which anchors the Via Camerelle luxury shopping corridor.—
Elizabeth Heath,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, San Diego has elected leaders who spend every waking moment catering to special interests to pay for their next election.—
Hal Valderhaug,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Pain upon waking A good mattress provides ample support for your spine and joints.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 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
-
Everyday outings, like going to the grocery store, are exciting adventures for him.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In an interview with STAT, Nedergaard, who is also affiliated with the University of Copenhagen, explained some of the exciting implications of her research, including its possible application for better tools to screen for — and combat — neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s.—
Amanda Erickson,
STAT,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With busy schedules, sitting down to eat a meal as a family can be tricky and cause feelings of guilt.—
Dr. Sarah Kinsella,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Each carried one passenger in the back seat, all of them busy on their phones.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The solemn Moon is stepping into Capricorn, awakening your 12th House of Solitude and Healing.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Though there was a thrilling edge to their early work—the lightning-in-a-bottle sample drill of Polo Perks and Moh Baretta, that spine-tingling Pasto Flocco run—it’s been dulled a bit in favor of ambling minimalism.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
6 Apr. 2026
-
But there is still no denying how thrilling that start was.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rousing. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
