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 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 Those vociferous, flat-out denials had been enough to sway the politicians and union leaders who endorsed Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid, until the weight of evidence made Swalwell’s assertions untenable. Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for vociferous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vociferous
Adjective
  • The Catholic Church has long been outspoken against war.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • Brittany Elkin, a Gaston County native and parent to two GCS students, has become an outspoken advocate for more school funding in recent months.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Pink is no comedian and many of the show’s bits fell flat, but the star’s fandom seemed genuine and her vocal prowess the envy of many a Tony nominee.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • The 79th Annual Tony Awards were a fitting coda to the 2025–26 Broadway season, offering all the requisite nostalgia, vocal prowess, ensemble energy, and a generous amount of pelvic thrusting.
    Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Given the movie’s blatant satire of recent horror movies, it’s expected to do well beyond just English-speaking including Germany and Latin America.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 June 2026
  • Congress, having discovered some spine, should revolt at this blatant self-dealing as well.
    Austin Elias-de Jesus, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • This era of Jane Remover—the music, which mainlines the noisiest impulses of SounDC, the discourse—is brasher and more acidic than ever.
    Mano Sundaresan, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
  • His load can get a bit noisy, featuring a moderate leg kick and a slight bat wrap, but Ballinger operates with rhythm and consistently gets the barrel on the baseball.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vociferous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vociferous. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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