1
as in to awaken
to cause to stop sleeping
the rooster's crow aroused me from my deep sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to awake
to cease to be asleep
set the alarm so we would arouse at 5:00 a.m.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of arouse
Thousands of digital leaders from around the world are here, displaying the latest in robotics, quantum computing, and IQ AI, which is grappling with the relationship between us—humans—and the multitude of AI agents that proffer help and arouse suspicion.
—
Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 3 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
Undeniably extremely aroused by the idea.
—E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Though military officials have always insisted that the X-37B is merely a technology testbed, the vehicle has aroused suspicion in some quarters.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arouse
Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 3 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
Undeniably extremely aroused by the idea.
—E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Though military officials have always insisted that the X-37B is merely a technology testbed, the vehicle has aroused suspicion in some quarters.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arouse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arouse
Verb
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Cynthia Trevino, a resident for 27 years, said she’s been awakened at 3 and 4 in the morning by planes that fail to follow the airport’s voluntary noise abatement program.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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The original movie, released in 1999, starred Fraser as treasure hunter who travels to Egypt in the 1920s with a spunky librarian, played by Weisz, only to accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Exports spiked; Americans awoke to the pleasures of their native whiskey.—
Adam Sachs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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Americans awoke to another air traffic tragedy this week.—
Robert Poole,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Analysts have warned such a move could provoke wider retaliation and further destabilize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.—
Steve Mollman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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So, that December, my parents woke me up in the middle of the night for our last cross-country drive through the underground.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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The patterns displayed during active sleep often resemble those seen during waking behaviors, supporting the idea that the brain may be reactivating prior experiences.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Both of the Trotters grew up singing in the church and are steeped in the gospel music traditions that underpin their rousing blend of vintage country, soul, rock and funk.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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These days, Thomas is gearing up to release his rousing new album Moo before heading out on the Moo Tour, which kicks off in Brooklyn this April.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Saturn in your companionable 7th house is encouraging Pluto in your playful 5th house, so the energy of these cosmic powerhouses should be a little less hard to handle and a lot more fun!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
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Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Icon Park attraction will limit capacity, dim lighting, lower the music and disable stimulating exhibits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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Katzenback recommends four sets of five repetitions with heavy weights to stimulate bone growth.—
Hadia Zainab,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arouse. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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