RAVENOUS Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ravenous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ravenous are gluttonous , rapacious , and voracious . While all these words mean "excessively greedy," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'gluttonous' take the place of 'ravenous'?

The meanings of gluttonous and ravenous largely overlap; 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

Q: When might 'rapacious' be a better fit than 'ravenous'?

The words rapacious and ravenous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rapacious often suggests excessive and utterly selfish acquisitiveness or avarice. // rapacious developers indifferent to environmental concerns

Q: When can 'voracious' be used instead of 'ravenous'?

The words voracious and ravenous can be used in similar contexts, but voracious applies especially to habitual gorging with food or drink. // teenagers are often voracious eaters

ravenous

adjective

ˈra-və-nəs

Definition of ravenous next

as in greedy

having a huge appetite we were ravenous after our canoe paddling, and the chili bubbling over the campfire smelled heavenly

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

Some common synonyms of ravenous are gluttonous, rapacious, and voracious. While all these words mean "excessively greedy," 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

In what contexts can gluttonous take the place of ravenous?

The meanings of gluttonous and ravenous largely overlap; 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 might rapacious be a better fit than ravenous?

The words rapacious and ravenous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rapacious often suggests excessive and utterly selfish acquisitiveness or avarice.

rapacious developers indifferent to environmental concerns

When can voracious be used instead of ravenous?

The words voracious and ravenous can be used in similar contexts, but voracious applies especially to habitual gorging with food or drink.

teenagers are often voracious eaters

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 ravenous The Woodland Trail, a few steps to the left from the brand-new Nature Education Center, will take you alongside modern-day giants that have survived fire, timbering, ravenous deer and disease. —

Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025 Raw-nerved, ravenous, and revealing in every gesture. —

Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 While there’s only so many flowy dresses to go around for the ravenous cadre of It-girls, the house has proven its versatility. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 Heather is notably ravenous après-ski, so the colorful board provides a sort of oasis for her. —

Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ravenous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ravenous

Adjective

The greedy wizard had an idea to build beautiful hotels and homes.

— Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2025
But that’s not the way of most corporate America, despite the endless pushing by greedy bankers and lawyers who don’t have enough work to do to maintain their admittedly lavish lifestyles versus pretty much the rest of the country’s work force.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025