rousing

adjective

rous·​ing ˈrau̇-ziŋ 

1

a

: giving rise to excitement : stirring

a rousing speech

b

: brisk, lively

2

: exceptional, superlative

a rousing success

rousingly adverb

Synonyms

• breathtaking
• charged
• electric
• electrifying
• exciting
• exhilarating
• exhilarative
• galvanic
• galvanizing
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• inspiring
• intoxicating
• kicky
• mind-bending
• mind-blowing
• mind-boggling
• rip-roaring
• stimulating
• stirring
• thrilling

Examples of rousing in a Sentence

She was met with a rousing reception.

a rousing rendition of our national anthem

Recent Examples on the Web

By the calculus of marquee appeal, this final face-off makes sense: What could be more rousing, in theory, than Mescal versus Denzel — than pitting a rising star against one of Hollywood’s most bankable veterans? —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

But a packed house full of fans of both Flanagan and the legendary Stephen King made for one of the most rousing screenings of this young festival. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024

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, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2024

An African American by the name of A.C. Lightburn was also said to have given the most rousing speech in support of incorporation. —C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

rousing

adjective

rous·​ing

ˈrau̇-ziŋ

1

: having the power to rouse one

sang a rousing hymn

a rousing speech

2

: very good : exceptional

a rousing business