ravenous
adjective
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ravishing or ravenous?
Ravenous and ravishing are not synonyms, and mixing these two words may lead to potentially awkward writing or conversation. Ravenous is commonly used with the meaning “very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification,†and ravishing means “unusually attractive, pleasing, or striking.†If you find yourself hungry and standing in front of a spectacular-looking meal you would say (of the food) “that looks ravishing,†and (of yourself) “I am ravenous.†You may, of course, describe yourself as ravishing, but should be aware that you are commenting on your appearance rather than your hunger.
Examples of ravenous in a Sentence
Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
These creators are racking up views and garnering hyper-dedicated audiences who are ravenous for every new twist in the case.
—Taylor Lorenz, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
Hache Pueyo’s novella is set in an alternate-Brazil stalked by ravenous, glittering guls.
—Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
Though typically ravenous, Jackie didn’t partake.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ravenous
Cite this Entry
“Ravenous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ravenous. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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ravenous
adjective
