Definition of vociferousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vociferous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vociferous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, obstreperous, and strident. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

In what contexts can blatant take the place of vociferous?

In some situations, the words blatant and vociferous are roughly equivalent. However, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of vociferous?

Although the words boisterous and vociferous have much in common, boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When might clamorous be a better fit than vociferous?

While in some cases nearly identical to vociferous, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When could obstreperous be used to replace vociferous?

While the synonyms obstreperous and vociferous are close in meaning, obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

When is it sensible to use strident instead of vociferous?

The words strident and vociferous can be used in similar contexts, but strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

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 vociferous These will prompt the most vociferous and pointed outcry. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 The denials were only more vociferous at the idea of using them off-label for someone like Mundo. Eric Boodman, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026 The public data do not contain information about who makes the reports to 311, and these numbers could be skewed by vociferous individuals. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Hannity, Brian Kilmeade and Mark Levin were among the most vociferous leading up to the attack and after. Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vociferous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vociferous
Adjective
  • Obama and Robinson's interview with the outspoken comedian was released on May 6.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 June 2026
  • Industry versus lifestyle Monday’s meeting drew a mix of outspoken residents presenting concerns about data centers’ direct impact on their rural communities, and commercial leaders portraying the data center economy as an essential growth opportunity for Jackson County’s economy.
    Ilana Arougheti June 1, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is an album in which harsh, scraping sounds make sweet vocal melodies sound even sweeter, where that kindness of spirit may flicker but never quite fades away.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
  • Behind the scenes, Ariana used Wicked to improve herself as a performer overall, taking on extensive vocal training for the role with those skills evident in her work post-Glinda.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • No more traveling calls, rarely calls for over-the-top or blatant shoves in the back to grab a rebound.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • This is a blatant power grab to eliminate independent oversight.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • As mentioned, the original system was very noisy and would often spontaneously change parity state every 10 milliseconds or less.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026
  • The hotel is smaller and more sophisticated than the noisy all-inclusives further down the beach with a focus on fine dining and chic interior design.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vociferous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vociferous. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on vociferous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster