Definitions

arousal

[uh-rou-zuhl] / əˈraʊ zəl /

NOUN

awakening

Synonyms

STRONG

activation animating arising awaking birth enlivening incitement kindling provocation rebirth renewal revival rousing stimulation waking

WEAK

stirring up vivication waking up

Antonyms

STRONG

destruction suppression

WEAK

sleep sleeping

NOUN

eroticism

Synonyms

STRONG

libido lust stimulation titillation

NOUN

erotism

Synonyms

STRONG

amativeness amorousness concupiscence eroticism lust lustfulness passion prurience pruriency titillation

WEAK

libidinousness

NOUN

inspiration

Synonyms

STRONGEST

encouragement enthusiasm genius incentive influence insight motivation revelation vision

STRONG

afflatus animus approach awakening brainchild brainstorm creativity elevation exaltation fancy flash hunch illumination impulse motive muse notion rumble spark spur stimulation thought whim

WEAK

deep think inflatus

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discouragement

STRONG

depression hindrance reality truth

NOUN

titillation

Synonyms

STRONG

excitement exhilaration stimulation thrill

Antonyms

STRONG

calm depression discouragement

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2025

According to Newen, basic arousal was the first to emerge in evolutionary history.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

ORB, however, became influential only when arousal was very high, and its involvement appeared to decrease the clarity of visual encoding.

From Science Daily • Nov. 30, 2025

As a therapist, I know that for children with autism, water offers resistance, pressure and pleasant sensory arousal.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

Are extreme arousal and mind-blindness inevitable under conditions of stress?

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

arousal

Example Sentences

Related Words