Boisterous
What it means
Loud, lively, and full of high-spirited physical or social energy.
Reach for it when describing cheerful noise and activity where the setting welcomes it
Boisterous laughter followed every round of the family quiz.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
-
everyday
Fits when animation matters without much noise
Not when volume or rough movement is essential
-
everyday
rowdy
Fits when noise has become unruly
Not when an affectionate description is intended
-
warm
Fits when exuberant mood deserves sympathetic praise
Not when the behavior is disruptive rather than joyful
-
professional
Fits when active conversation or expression is meant
Not when robust physical energy distinguishes the scene
-
formal
Fits when overflowing enthusiasm is the key quality
Not when the sound level must be explicit
-
literary
Fits when noisy communal fun suits a playful voice
Not when neutral description of people is safer
Opposites 3
- quiet
- subdued
- restrained
Common phrases 3
-
boisterous laughter
Boisterous laughter spilled from the kitchen after the last guest arrived.
-
boisterous crowd
The stewards guided the boisterous crowd without treating its joy as a threat.
-
boisterous play
The puppies needed a safe yard for their boisterous play.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Positive only where noise and physical exuberance are welcome; the same behavior can be inconsiderate in a ward, classroom, or solemn gathering.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Sylvanmoon, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated