roister

Definition of roisternext
as in to carouse
to take part in drunken revelry the earl's wastrel son had spent the best part of his youth roistering and gambling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 roister One of his sons, Thomas (Dean-Charles Chapman), though hardly old enough to be in long pants, wears shining armor, while the other son, Hal (Timothée Chalamet), is a slouch who wastes his life in roistering. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roister
Verb
  • Bethany takes the explosive event as a sign to reunite with her old girlfriend Nel (Lena Góra), and carouse across lofts, clubs, and back alleys, leaving her erstwhile partner stranded.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Others blame social media for hindering crew members from socializing—and carousing—together.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There will also be a flower wall display to take your own family photos and food and drink specials at the various restaurants.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
  • What to eat, drink and do 🌮 A Derby party, Cinco de Mayo feasts and a crawfish boil headline May’s best food events.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The pair sequester themselves in a shed while guests revel outside in the sunshine.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Nebraska fans with seats around the tunnel spotted them, because thousands of Nebraska fans were still in their seats, reveling, the music still thumping in the arena, as if some kind of encore would be happening.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Watch the big game, host movie night for the kids or binge your favorite Netflix series in your backyard living room with this outdoor TV.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
  • While Americans may feel a void with fewer opportunities to binge watch, financial advisers cheer the move.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There was sea salt in the air, and sleepless seagulls were birling in the darkness overhead.
    Douglas Stuart, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2020
  • In some parts of the United States, birling contests are annual events.
    Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019
Verb
  • Some speculate that wassailing predates Christianity in the region; others note its association with the Christian holiday of Twelfth Night.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 24 Dec. 2025
  • In addition to the live music in Caldwell Hall, there's also an opportunity to join an English tradition: wassailing around the apple tree, a ritual to inspire a bountiful harvest in the year ahead.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 19 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Roister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roister. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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