1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
a rousing rendition of our national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rousing
Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
Mitchell Robinson played 21 minutes and finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal before the home crowd serenaded him with a rousing ovation on his way to then bench midway through the fourth quarter.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
According to Meacham and Page, Reagan finally, and only after all other major candidates had dropped out of the race, intended to give a rousing speech supporting Bush at a black-tie gala on May 11th.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Adjective
The rousing rendition featured Gene on a synth keyboard and Bob on vocals (after more than a few false four-count starts).
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
Mitchell Robinson played 21 minutes and finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal before the home crowd serenaded him with a rousing ovation on his way to then bench midway through the fourth quarter.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Written for a trashy ‘80s teen movie, this tune is rousing and bratty in classic Cheap Trick style.
—Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
According to Meacham and Page, Reagan finally, and only after all other major candidates had dropped out of the race, intended to give a rousing speech supporting Bush at a black-tie gala on May 11th.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rousing
Adjective
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But understanding the Pioneers’ breathtaking run requires a deeper examination of the scene.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
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The world may still be captivated by the breathtaking views, record-setting distance and emotional homecoming of Artemis II, but for NASA, the next chapter is already in motion.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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Kawamura has also given us a genuinely genius take on the waking existential crisis that is 21st century living.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2026
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Every 90 minutes, our bodies go paralyzed while our brains become more active than during waking life.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 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
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The hospital confirmed the exciting news to ABC News and celebrated the babies' arrival in an April 9 Facebook post.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
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On the page, ex-gangster Henry Hill’s story is exciting enough.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The café is serviceable and busy all the time.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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Grand Central Terminal, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, serves not only daily commuters, but also draws thousands of tourists each day.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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The solemn Moon is stepping into Capricorn, awakening your 12th House of Solitude and Healing.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Done right, the way these acclaimed series are, documentaries can be just as thrilling as any fictional narrative.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
13 Apr. 2026
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The thrilling, overwhelming possibilities kept me returning.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rousing. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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