Definitions

rip-roaring

[rip-rawr-ing, -rohr-] / ˈrɪpˌrɔr ɪŋ, -ˌroʊr- /

ADJECTIVE

exciting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appealing astonishing breathtaking dangerous dramatic flashy hectic impressive interesting intriguing lively moving provocative stimulating thrilling

STRONG

animating arousing arresting bracing commoving electrifying fine impelling intoxicating overpowering overwhelming rousing stirring titillating

WEAK

agitative exhilarant eye-popping far-out groovy hair-raising heady melodramatic mind-blowing neat racy sensational showy spine-tingling wild zestful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

boring dull unexciting unmoving unstimulating

WEAK

moderate unenthused unenthusiastic uninspiring unpromising

ADJECTIVE

hectic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boisterous chaotic exciting frenetic frenzied heated tumultuous unsettled

WEAK

animated burning confused disordered excited fervid fevered feverish flurrying flustering furious hassle hell broke loose jungle madhouse nutsy restless riotous wild woolly zoolike

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm peaceful quiet

WEAK

easeful leisurely unhurried

ADJECTIVE

merry

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amusing cheerful comical enjoyable fun-loving glad hilarious jolly joyful joyous lighthearted lively mad pleasant rollicking sunny winsome

WEAK

blithe blithesome boisterous boon carefree comic convivial entertaining facetious frolicsome funny gay gleeful grooving humorous jocund jumping larking mirthful perky riotous rocking saturnalian sportive unconstrained uproarious vivacious wild zappy zingy zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depressed disagreeable gloomy grave sad serious solemn tragic unfunny unhappy unpleasant upset

WEAK

sorrowful

ADJECTIVE

rollicking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boisterous jaunty joyful joyous lighthearted merry spirited sprightly

STRONG

antic cavorting romping

WEAK

carefree cheerful devil-may-care exuberant frisky frolicsome glad happy hearty jovial playful sportive

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depressed lazy lethargic sad unhappy upset

WEAK

serious solemn

ADJECTIVE

thrilling

Synonyms

STRONGEST

breathtaking electrifying enchanting frantic gripping hair-raising miraculous riveting rousing sensational stirring

STRONG

boss overwhelming shivering stimulating swinging trembling

WEAK

blood-tingling exquisite fab fabulous large mad magnificent mind-bending mind-blowing wild wondrous zero cool

Antonyms

STRONGEST

usual

WEAK

depressing discouraging upsetting

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.

With Springsteen taking the microphone, the audience was treated to an unforgettable version of The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” followed by Steve Earle’s rip-roaring take on “Roadhouse Blues.”

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

With his backflips, one-handed cartwheels and quadruple-jumps galore, US figure skater Ilia Malinin's rip-roaring routines have proved a star attraction at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Both were popular novelists of rip-roaring historical fiction, both were politically active Tories, and both had the Borderlands at the heart of their works and lives.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Firms that had banner years would lay siege to hotel ballrooms, trumpeting their good fortune with rip-roaring excesses more suited to an Indian wedding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

The boys were probably having a rip-roaring time, and being welcomed into the company of men was surely good for them, even if it did leave Penelope sitting helplessly, waiting for their return.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

rip-roaring

Example Sentences

Related Words