ROWDY Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

rowdy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrau̇-dē

Definition of rowdy

as in boisterous

being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way a rowdy but good-natured group of teenagers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rowdy

2 of 2

noun

as in thug

a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang rowdies had overtaken the neighborhood and were threatening people on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 rowdy

Adjective

As soon as the game wrapped up, those guests shuffled out, and hours later were replaced by a rowdier group ordering shots at the bar, dancing to 2000s hits in front of the DJ booth and smoking vape pens on the outdoor patio. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 The 45-second clip features Oasis’ rowdy crowds and hints at rehearsal footage as Noel and Liam Gallagher talk about their reunion years after Oasis’ acrimonious breakup. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2026 Though loud, the demonstration inside the Capitol was not as rowdy as a similar protest organized by SEIU Local 1000 three years ago. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 After embedding himself in New York City’s rowdy activist scene, Illapa Sairitupac is running in November for the Assembly’s 65th District, which covers Chinatown, Lower Manhattan, and other major areas. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rowdy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rowdy

Adjective

On July 8, Hancock read the text to a large and boisterous crowd in Philadelphia.

— Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
My family had a boisterous rescue dog, who was full-grown but often acted like a puppy.

— Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of boisterous

Noun

Alyssa Thomas' thug-like play, punching Caitlin Clark in the throat and kneeing her in the groin, is indefensible.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Ditto Hugh Jackman’s unerring performance — perhaps his finest dramatic work yet — as a savage, unfeeling thug and unrepentant murderer and thief.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Definition of thug

Noun

Data that appears to be compliance information to a regulator can appear to be a target list to a criminal.

— Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The Colorado attorney general oversees more than 700 attorneys and staff and manages legal manners spanning consumer protection, civil rights, criminal, water, constitutional and environmental law.

— Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of criminal

Adjective

The data center in Cloudthief (MCD, $28), Nathaniel Rich’s rambunctious, thoroughly entertaining heist novel, is in Pryor, Oklahoma, a far cry from the splendor of the fjords.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Salonen was back this year, a bit less rambunctious than before, secure in his status as one of the major musical figures of our time.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Definition of rambunctious

Noun

And Susan Collins, as Democrats have seen time and time again, is a real tough out.

— NBC news, NBC news, 21 June 2026
In that version, the character is played by Joe Don Baker, the great character actor known for playing toughs in films like Walking Tall (1973) and Fletch (1985).

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Vibrant banners will fill the land alongside lively Spanish music.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
On East Passyunk Avenue, Supérette is a lively French wine bar, market and bottle shop where rosé and pastis are enjoyed with snacks like duck prosciutto and raclette sandwiches.

— Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of lively

Browse Nearby Words

rowdiness

rowdy

rowdyish

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“Rowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rowdy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rowdy

adjective

noun

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