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
  • Since retiring in 2022, she's been an outspoken advocate for mothers in professional sports and beyond.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Chaplin Award Gala has previously recognized Hollywood figures who have been outspoken about current political events, including Pedro Almodóvar, Spike Lee and Robert Redford.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, one of the more moderate gubernatorial candidates, has been very vocal about his opposition to the tax, warning that the measure would ultimately cost the majority of Californians and sink the state’s innovation economy.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • For the remainder of the match, the crowd stayed vocal, cheering during Wave attacking build-ups and loudly jeering whenever a Bay FC player went down or a decision went against their team.
    Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Most importantly, there is nothing in the Supreme Court decision about maps that are blatant attempts to favor one party over another.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
  • DeSantis’ latest reasoning emerged Monday — and the outcome could lead to blatant political gerrymandering in Florida and the elimination of the Fair Districts Amendment approved by voters in 2010.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • But for centuries, Newcastle was a hard-scrabble, noisy, industrial powerhouse.
    Mark Phillips, CBS News, 3 May 2026
  • Currently, many campers use generators for larger vehicle setups, which can be noisy during the night for nearby tent campers.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 2 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vociferous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vociferous. Accessed 10 May. 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