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 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 Mentions of the San Antonio Spurs also elicited vociferous boos. Stephen Whyno, Fortune, 9 June 2026 Once inside, any sense of peace dissipates in the vociferous shouts from the local crowd, who create a hostile environment for any foreign player. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 May 2026 These will prompt the most vociferous and pointed outcry. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vociferous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vociferous
Adjective
  • Jennifer Wedel, whose daughter graduated from Heritage Christian Academy, has been outspoken about her frustration and anger at Eric Crawford allowing his son to work around children.
    Rachel Royster July 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Among the most outspoken skeptics is Dave Caneer, a former Cal Poly swimmer and water polo player who competed in the 1970s.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • The former clerk has also been a vocal defender of Kansas City’s new congressional district, which Republicans redrew last year.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • Today, Hadley is a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic violence.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The blatant ambition comes with its own drama; Holzinger’s work can feel rough around the edges, creating the sense that, at any level of a production, something might go very wrong.
    Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The first four players who played a backwards pass were met with a blatant elbow into the back.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The noisy, chaotic sound of her 2019 release helped set the stage for Carti’s Whole Lotta Red, which brought rage to the mainstream and pushed rap at large toward more aggressive sounds in the 2020s.
    Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
  • According to Gruber, this is similar to humans talking in a crowded and noisy nightclub or bar.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vociferous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vociferous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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