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 Hosono’s mastery of sound comes from his voracious musical appetite, a consummate collector and listener of records. Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 18 June 2025 The earliest photography was voracious and encyclopedic. Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 24 May 2025 Through it all, new industries and technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing continue to expand, with a voracious appetite for electrical power, computing power, and space to build. Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 June 2025 After years of lobbying from various fishing interests who maintain the species not only made a comeback, but were wiping out other species because of their voracious appetites, the FWC agreed in 2022 to open a very limited goliath grouper season. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for voracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voracious
Adjective
  • But the vast majority are cynical and greedy and scared of losing their jobs.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
  • A far cry from the mild-mannered Peter Parker in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films, Tully is an abusive, hot-headed, and greedy slime ball who leverages post-war desperation into a thriving criminal business.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The center is named after MaryAnn Wright, chair of the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Board of Directors and an avid supporter and significant donor to the organization.
    Ava Nightingale, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
  • According to several tributes online and a GoFundMe, Stewart was a former marine biologist who was an avid outdoors enthusiast.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • With all that room to cook, this gourmet grill can accommodate both ravenous solo diners or hungry families alike.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
  • Anyone who dared challenge the prevailing narrative faced the wrath of a ravenous cancel culture.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Florida Republicans are enthusiastic about Alligator Alcatraz.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • While the race will be held at the Naval Base Coronado, the city is enthusiastic to host a Nascar weekend.
    Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the scene also looms large for young Ruth: Maria’s earrings represent the mysterious world of adults, one that Ruth is hungry to learn more about.
    Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 22 July 2025
  • Milwaukee Brewers fans are hungry for a 12th consecutive victory -- and a free George Webb’s burger.
    Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our family couldn’t be more excited to welcome baby #3 soon!
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 July 2025
  • While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Applications for the program will open later this year and the government is optimistic about strong interest from those eager to capitalize on this opportunity.
    Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • As growth in the region has pushed west and commercial development has accelerated beyond Boise, Idaho’s second-largest city has added jobs, boosted wages and caught the eye of employers eager to set up shop in a central location and cut their workers’ commute times.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • By the end, even the most ardent England supporter had to have some sympathy with Italy.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene—Georgia’s 14th District The firebrand Republican has been one of Trump’s most ardent supporters on Capitol Hill since her election in 2021.
    Nik Popli, Time, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Voracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voracious. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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