roust

Definition of roustnext
as in to wake
to force (someone or something) to move from a place The soldiers were rousted from their beds before sunrise.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 roust At this point, many comedians would have given up, perhaps abandoning Jarle for better comedy, but Conan needles and cajoles him just enough to roust his spirits. — Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024 The European folk roots of Ferrell's work felt front and center with the arrangement and should roust crowds potentially baking in the sun at Denver's Empower Field at Mile High. — Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 22 Mar. 2024 Their combination of sprightly cuteness, small size and determination — they were originally bred to roust badgers — endear them to many. — Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 For the first time in 18 months, Pyle slept in a private room with a locked door and without fear that someone would roust him at night or steal his belongings. — Chris Serres, Star Tribune, 13 Mar. 2021 See All Example Sentences for roust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roust
Verb
  • In the middle of the night, as the floodwaters were rising, the dog woke her by shaking water off herself, giving the family enough time to climb a ladder onto the roof of their home just minutes before it was completely flooded.
    — Fabiola Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • After the young widow stepped back behind the black curtains, where scoops of mint chocolate chip in disposable bamboo bowls drifted through a room of donors and White House staffers, the evening moved from celebration to wake.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Played with exquisite, improbably expressive steeliness by Florence Pugh, Cathy does not awaken from nowhere as a predator.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • That day in August, the woman was awakened by Ross, who was enraged by a photo she was tagged in on Instagram, according to Ross’ arrest report.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Peter roused again but had grown more certain since his last utterance.
    — Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Bremen has received more acclaim than Model for its 4-0 start, partly because of a rousing 38-19 victory in its opener against four-time reigning Class A champion Bowdon.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roust. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster