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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rousing
Jem Aswad, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
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
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
By the time Game 5 rolled around, the 76ers extended the series with a rousing win in Boston and saw their confidence grow.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Adjective
After a rousing start (setlist below), what followed was a vivid, loving tribute to all different flavors and musical genres of Latin culture, as loaded with subtext as Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl headlining performance.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
Sometimes, the crowd at a nearby ballpark will issue a rousing cheer – as if congratulating you on a hike well done.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
By the time Game 5 rolled around, the 76ers extended the series with a rousing win in Boston and saw their confidence grow.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rousing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rousing
Adjective
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Some draw you for history held in their walls, some for breathtaking views, others for design, discretion, or their quiet gravitas.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
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But for the first time in modern automotive history, the industry’s center of gravity appears to be China-bound at breathtaking speed.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Dive into the local fashion scene, feast on food and drinks from around the world, and get your beauty glow on, all within the buzzing post-industrial former power plant Elektrownia Powiśle.—
Kasia Dietz,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2026
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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
Verb
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And so there have been no occasions when your security detail had difficulty waking or locating you.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
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Some of the Richins' children described waking in fear the day their father died and being mistreated by Kouri Richins in statements read by their counselors.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
13 May 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 series itself follows the famed adventurer as he's joined by celebrities for exciting journeys in the wilderness.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
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Watch the official livestream replay now and immerse yourself in one of the most exciting student fashion events in the world.—
Kayla Rivera,
AJC.com,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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The five zippered pockets are useful for keeping essentials secure while sightseeing, hiking, or navigating busy airports, and the moisture-wicking fabric is helpful in hot or humid weather.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
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With or without a flashlight, searching the house for treasure can keep kids (and parents) busy for hours.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Adjective
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Director Jon Favreau is (again) a safe pair of hands that deliver a solid, thrilling and engaging romp.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2026
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Crawford, who played 20 years in the NBA, is now a color commentator for NBC Sports and has been calling playoff games with Tirico and Miller, including the thrilling second-round matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rousing. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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