Definition of voraciousnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of voracious are gluttonous, rapacious, and ravenous. While all these words mean "excessively greedy," voracious applies especially to habitual gorging with food or drink.

teenagers are often voracious eaters

When could gluttonous be used to replace voracious?

In some situations, the words gluttonous and voracious are roughly equivalent. However, gluttonous applies to one who delights in eating or acquiring things especially beyond the point of necessity or satiety.

an admiral who was gluttonous for glory

When can rapacious be used instead of voracious?

While the synonyms rapacious and voracious are close in meaning, rapacious often suggests excessive and utterly selfish acquisitiveness or avarice.

rapacious developers indifferent to environmental concerns

When might ravenous be a better fit than voracious?

While in some cases nearly identical to voracious, ravenous implies excessive hunger and suggests violent or grasping methods of dealing with food or with whatever satisfies an appetite.

a nation with a ravenous lust for territorial expansion

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 voracious These voracious eaters are particularly fond of soybeans and other legumes, alfalfa, broccoli, corn, and apples. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026 The advent of artificial intelligence, with its voracious demand for computing power, puts Lumen in a sweet spot. Justin Zacks, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 Particularly hard hit is America’s staple crop, corn, due to its voracious appetite for nitrogen. E.j. Antoni, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 Over the last four months, Ponto has been a voracious voice on social media, frequently commenting on Facebook posts related to the mayoral race and replying to resident comments. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for voracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voracious
Adjective
  • The main culprit for labor’s shrinking share of the economic pie is government policy, not greedy corporations.
    Scott Lincicome, Washington Post, 11 May 2026
  • Summers in Florida would not be so hot if lawmakers were not so greedy; developers not so persistent; if land and wildlife weren’t paved for roads, parking lots and housing developments.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • An avid skier since childhood, William spent a holiday with his mom in Switzerland in March 1992.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Barker, 26, has spent the past few years amassing an avid fan base on YouTube with his sketch comedy channel, That’s a Bad Idea.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Scenes from this film-within-a-film play out in full, and feature Emma Mackey as a damsel escaping a hungry, humanoid fish creature, while a pair of mad scientists, played by comedy duo Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, attempt to study the ravenous creature.
    Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
  • Fans are ravenous, and rightfully hungry for more information about their new slow burn obsession couple.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The crowd was enthusiastic and somewhat glassy-eyed, and people lined up patiently to buy records and merchandise, and to get a chance to meet Rashad.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Firebird Tours has also been an enthusiastic adopter of new technology and created a custom trip builder and travel app.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • If these Asian dumplings rock, hungry Idahoans will pounce.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2026
  • Best Buy might have fed the gaming streets the news its been hungry for since 2025.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • These customer success stories have got investors excited.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • A lot of kids were excited to see the live painting, because now kids are used to being on their phones.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes there’s an English language barrier, but everyone is patient and eager to make your stay memorable.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Joelle D'Alencar, the owner of the business, is eager to help new customers feel comfortable.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • San Diego County has been among the state’s most ardent MCRT supporters.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
  • But everyone — from the most ardent fan all the way up to the owner who signs the checks — had to endure it.
    Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Voracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voracious. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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