RAUCOUS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

raucous

adjective

ˈrȯ-kəs

Definition of raucous next

as in boisterous

being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way the partying neighbors kept up their raucous laughter half the night

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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

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 raucous The hearings were predictably contentious, at times raucous and emotional, and filled with staggering, reality-bending comments and moments. —

Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025 The movie was greeted at the Sundance Film Festival with a raucous premiere screening filled with applause, laughs and screams of discomfort. —

Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025 The storied rivalry between Billerica and Tewksbury motivated the unbeaten Indians to make a statement against the perennial power in a convincing 5-2 win in front of a raucous crowd on the road. —

Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2025 And any mention of Oakland pride from the stage drew raucous cheers that interrupted the proceedings, if only for a few seconds. —

Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for raucous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for raucous

Adjective

In matters of texture, cotton, knits, and compelling fabrics arrived in the form of modern corsetry, slick pantsuits, and boisterous dresses in assorted hues.

— Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025
There’s a profusion of bars in downtown Kansas City that offer boisterous partying and pounding music.

— Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2025