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 Or, faced with the wrath of the huge Baby Boom generation — who tend to be voters and vociferous — will Congress act in time? Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Mentions of the San Antonio Spurs also elicited vociferous boos. Stephen Whyno, Fortune, 9 June 2026 Advertisers remain wary of the format, worried that appearing alongside a vociferous anchor or a scene tied to news about war or climate change will turn off potential customers. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 However, the officials did not spot the handball in real time, and—with no video review system available then—the goal counted, despite vociferous protests from the English players and fans. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vociferous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vociferous
Adjective
  • The experience of Jack Ma illustrates the limits imposed on entrepreneurs who become too powerful or politically outspoken.
    Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • The fact his reputation around the league points to him being outspoken cooled his value.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Since then, Emilie Kiser has been vocal on social media about water safety for children, urging parents to install pool fences and door alarms with working batteries, and ensuring children have swimming sessions.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The Voice Season 29 winner Alexia Jayy will also have a special vocal performance.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Commissioned by Mattel as a blatant weekly half-hour commercial for its popular toy line, the show pits He-Man and his heroic chums against the evil (but strangely inept) Skeletor in a battle for control of Castle Grayskull.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
  • However, the fun police in the NBA’s legal department would (correctly) view this is as blatant cap circumvention, and would not treat this as a laughing matter.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived.
    Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • The advertisement paints an ominous portrait, featuring a man in dark lighting standing in front of images of noisy computer servers.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vociferous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vociferous. Accessed 8 Jul. 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