AROUSING Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

arousing 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of arousing

as in energizing

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

arousing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of arouse

as in waking

to cause to stop sleeping the rooster's crow aroused me from my deep sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in awaking

to cease to be asleep set the alarm so we would arouse at 5:00 a.m.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in provoking

to rouse to strong feeling or action the court's controversial decision aroused many to protest and to lobby the legislature for a constitutional amendment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 arousing

Adjective

Adding oils or a warm soak can increase sensitivity and make the experience both soothing and arousing. — Essence, 11 Sep. 2025 Squeezing lube out of a bottle until the cold goop squirts out isn't the most arousing act. — Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 4 Feb. 2023 Amazon Prime members can also ship items to a locker to avoid arousing suspicions when the parcel is delivered, Valentine Lent said. — Amanda Pérez Pintado, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2022 That’s sort of gross, but also a strangely arousing way to describe the painful expansion of self that comes with falling in love. — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2022 The supervisor also recommended performing the steps two to three hours after trying to interview members of a household to avoid arousing suspicions from higher-ups who could track where census takers had been through their IPhones. — Mike Schneider, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Nov. 2020

Verb

Today, fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the next six weeks, arousing your ambition as never before. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026 No clear catalyst One reason the surge in oil futures trading is arousing suspicion is that no market-moving announcements were slated for Monday morning, such as government economic releases or speeches from Federal Reserve officials. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 To avoid arousing suspicion, the mission was primarily carried out by ground forces with limited air support from helicopters, Trevilla said. — Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026 Algorithms tend to prioritize emotionally arousing content, particularly anger, anxiety and outrage. — Robin Pickering, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026 Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back to her time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025 But instead of arousing genuine interest, Davuluri’s tweet set off some harsh feedback from at least some users put off by AI. — PC Magazine, 19 Nov. 2025 Mike Evans could return, and the Johnsons (Kameron and Tez) pack arousing upside, but Otton is likely to earn the biggest target spike. — Brad Evans, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 In fact, studies have found that couples who share novel and arousing activities report greater satisfaction. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for arousing

Adjective

Really, the most energizing part of the movie is its surprise subject matter.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
For example, lavender is said to have a calming effect, while citrus scents will seem more energizing and lively.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Definition of energizing

Verb

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
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

Definition of awaking

Verb

The same principle applies to debates about religion, economics and virtually any subject capable of provoking strong emotions.

— Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
From this format emerges the tacit thesis that the Bicentennial cultural activities excelled at provoking critical, imaginative reflections on America’s past and future from artmakers and from ordinary citizens alike.

— Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of provoking

Adjective

Those who understand quickly move forward, while those who need more time, a different explanation or a less stimulating environment can easily fall behind.

— Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
These adaptogenics also cost as much, if not more, than alcoholic spirits, such as Three Spirit, which incorporates ingredients such as guayusa (stimulating effects), damiana (aphrodisiac effects) and valerian (stress-relieving effects).

— Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulating

Verb

This is why in my work, awakening yourself comes before awakening your relationships and your team.

— Catherine Bell, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Back in present day, John has managed to exhume Hal’s body and retrieve the decommissioned power ring, awakening the Halogram to get his help opening the lockbox in the storage unit.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of awakening

Verb

Anti-Trumpers in Wichita are encouraging folks to attend the next No Kings Nationwide Day of Action on Saturday as a sort of rally warm-up.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
But in his statement Hannan argued labor and environmentalists aren’t stopping development, just encouraging it be done safely.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouraging

Adjective

The final product is a rousing, brisk, and genuinely inspiring biopic that never feels like homework.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
Brees received a rousing ovation as he was introduced on the field, wearing his gold Hall of Fame jacket, and presented his ring by Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of rousing

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arouses

arousing

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“Arousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arousing. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of arousing

adjective

verb

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