Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raucous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of raucous are earsplitting, loud, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

When is it sensible to use earsplitting instead of raucous?

The meanings of earsplitting and raucous largely overlap; however, earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

Where would loud be a reasonable alternative to raucous?

The words loud and raucous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When is stentorian a more appropriate choice than raucous?

The words stentorian and raucous can be used in similar contexts, but stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

When might strident be a better fit than raucous?

In some situations, the words strident and raucous are roughly equivalent. However, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Examples 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 raucous Many Brazilian comedies have hit gold dust as raucous vehicles for a star TV comedian, who does his shtick. John Hopewell, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 Teammates were so fond of Darnold that, after Minnesota won its 14th game — one off the franchise record — in Week 17 to set up a regular-season finale with Detroit that would decide the NFC’s top seed in the playoffs, Vikings players lifted Darnold on their shoulders to raucous cheers. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025 The highlight of the build lurks under the hood, where an absolutely raucous Mopar Hellcat Redeye crate engine pumps out 807 hp. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025 The cabin, nestled mid-mountain on Aspen Highlands, is known for its raucous champagne-shower lunches where Veuve Clicquot is shot out of spray guns while a DJ blasts and strobe lights flash. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for raucous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raucous
Adjective
  • His boisterous persona was more comical than confrontational, a hot-air balloon of strutting pomposity punctured by his family.
    Jim McKairnes, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Over the next decade the Leon family expanded and the kids moved out and away, yet food continued to anchor them in their many boisterous reunions.
    Elyse Inamine, Bon Appétit, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern and Jackie Earle Haley co-star as Dave’s rowdy buddies.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The goal gave the Penguins a 5-2 lead and set off a rowdy celebration.
    Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But instead of the rambunctious middle schooler matchmaker older fans might remember, this Covey is focused on her own love story.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Reese Aries are rambunctious and full of life, which are words that perfectly describe Reese, the second born to the family.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From Ali’s perspective, this story is a quintessential Black ‘Dena story: eco-conscious, family orientated, spiritually vibrant, and lively — even in death.
    Keyaira Kelly, refinery29.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Grover Grover is a lively and enthusiastic blue monster who loves exploring and going on new adventures.
    Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Joy’s jazzy, smoky version of the Marvin Gaye classic, coupled with her velvety vocals, sparked another rollicking ovation led by John who was the first to stand up.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2023
  • His setlist, a rollicking walk-down-memory-lane of solo hits, NKOTB favorites, standards, show tunes and cover songs, showcased his range as an entertainer, musical virtuoso and keen collaborator.
    Sonal Dutt, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • If your exhaust fan is still noisy after cleaning, this could indicate loose screws or a problem with the motor.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025
  • If there’s a slightly noisier spot (or spots) in the apartment, that is another indicator of gaps that might allow smells to seep in and could benefit from sealant, says Arianna Deane, an architect and A+A+A cofounder.
    Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow more of our reporting on Deadly Dose Crime One Kansas police force’s approach to fighting fentanyl is driving down violent crime November 30, 2023 6:10 AM Government & Politics Missouri lawmakers push new charges for fentanyl dealers.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
  • After all, we too are drawn to violent, meaningless spectacle to distract us from matters of substance.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The movie is both exquisite and rumbustious, stylized and energized.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 May 2022
  • From 1657, when tea first became available in London’s coffeehouses, to the early seventeen-hundreds, when women were invited in, recreational tea drinking was the preserve of rumbustious gentlemen.
    David Kortava, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2021

Thesaurus Entries Near raucous

Cite this Entry

“Raucous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raucous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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