17 Synonyms for Hungry | Another Word for Hungry (With Examples)

You ever feel so hungry that your stomach feels bitter and hollow? Maybe you're just a little peckish or downright famished! Talking about hunger is super common, but there are many fun ways to say it. Today, we're going to explore 17 great synonyms for "hungry," with easy meanings and real examples. It's like having a buffet of words to choose from when your tummy starts growling!

1. Starving

Starving means feeling extremely hungry, like your body really needs food right now. When you say you are starving, it means you haven't eaten for a long time. "I skipped lunch, and now I'm starving!" or "After the long hike, everyone was starving for dinner." It's a strong word often used to show how hungry someone feels. You can say, "I'm starving," even if you just want a big meal. It's an easy way to express that your stomach is really empty and ready to eat!

2. Famished

Famished means very hungry, just like starving but a bit more formal. It shows you need food fast because you've been without it for a while. For example, "She was famished after working all day." or "We were famished after the long trip." Famished is a nice word to use when you want to sound serious about being hungry. It's perfect for telling friends you need a snack or meal quickly. When your stomach growls loudly, you can say you're famished!

3. Ravenous

Ravenous means extremely hungry, almost like an animal ready to eat everything in sight. It's a strong way to say you are very hungry. For example, "After the football game, he was ravenous." or "I felt ravenous when I got home from school." You can also use ravenous to describe wanting something badly, like a ravenous appetite for food or even success. It's a dramatic and fun word to say when you want to show just how much you need to eat!

4. Peckish

Peckish means a little hungry, not starving but feeling like having a small snack. It's a light and casual way to say you want to eat something soon. For example, "I'm a bit peckish, so I'll grab some fruit." or "She felt peckish in the afternoon." Peckish is perfect when you're not super hungry but want a little bite. It's a fun word to use when you want to sound polite or gentle about being hungry.

5. Hollow

Hollow describes the feeling inside your stomach when you're hungry, like there is an empty space inside. It's not just about needing food but feeling empty or weak. For example, "My stomach felt hollow before breakfast." or "He described his hunger as a hollow ache." This word shows the emptiness hunger can bring. If you want to say your stomach feels empty, hollow is a good word. It makes hunger sound a bit deeper, like a quiet hunger feeling.

6. Empty

Empty is another way to describe your stomach when it feels like there is no food inside. It's a simple and clear word to say you need to eat. For example, "My stomach was empty after skipping lunch." or "She felt empty and weak late in the day." Empty shows the absence of food inside you. You can say, "My stomach feels empty," when you want to tell someone you're hungry in an easy way. It's a perfect word for kids and adults alike.

7. Hankering

Hankering means having a strong desire or craving for food. It's more about wanting something specific to eat rather than just being hungry. For example, "I have a hankering for chocolate." or "She had a hankering for pizza last night." Hankering is a fun word to use when you want to talk about a food craving. It shows that you're thinking about a tasty treat and can't wait to eat it. It's a great word to make hunger sound a little fancier!

8. Craving

Craving means a very strong wish to eat or have a particular food. It's similar to hankering but can feel even more urgent. For example, "He was craving ice cream after dinner." or "I'm craving something sweet right now." Craving means you really want that food and can't stop thinking about it. People often say they crave chocolate, pizza, or snacks. When you say you have a craving, you show that your hunger is focused on one special food.

9. Voracious

Voracious means having a huge appetite and wanting to eat a lot of food. It shows an eager and active hunger. For example, "After practice, the team was voracious for food." or "She had a voracious appetite and could eat a whole pizza." Voracious is a strong word and often used in writing or speech to describe someone who eats a lot. It's also used for wanting other things strongly, but mostly it means eating big amounts with great hunger.

10. Edacious

Edacious is a fancy word that means very hungry or eager to eat. It's not used very often but is a good word if you want to sound smart. For example, "The edacious child ate all the cookies." or "His edacious appetite surprised everyone." This word comes from Latin and means greedy for food. You can use edacious when you want to talk about a big appetite in a fun, unusual way. It's perfect for writers or people who love new words!

11. Appetite

Appetite means the natural feeling or desire to eat food. Sometimes it means you feel hungry, and sometimes it just means you want to eat. For example, "I lost my appetite because I was sick." or "She has a good appetite and enjoys meals." Appetite is a polite and common word. You can say, "I have a big appetite today," or "My appetite is small." It helps explain how hungry or interested you are in eating.

12. Greedy

Greedy means wanting more food than you need. It's about being selfish or too eager to eat. For example, "He was greedy and took all the cookies." or "Don't be greedy; share the food!" Greedy can be a negative word when it describes how someone acts. But when talking about hunger, it means wanting too much food or eating too fast. It's a strong word that shows a hunger that isn't just about need but about wanting more than enough.

13. Insatiable

Insatiable means never feeling full or satisfied after eating. It describes a hunger or desire that can't be stopped. For example, "Her insatiable hunger made her eat two plates." or "He has an insatiable appetite for sweets." Insatiable is a powerful word for hunger that can't be satisfied no matter how much you eat. It's often used in stories or serious talks about hunger. If you want to show endless hunger, this is the right word!

14. Malnourished

Malnourished means not having enough food or nutrition for a long time. It describes a person or animal who is weak because of hunger. For example, "The malnourished child needed urgent help." or "Malnourished animals struggle to survive." This word is serious and talks about health problems caused by hunger. It's important to know because it shows hunger in a dangerous way. Malnourished is not just about feeling hungry but about not getting enough food to be healthy.

15. Underfed

Underfed means not having enough food or being fed too little. It often describes animals or people who don't get enough to eat regularly. For example, "The underfed puppy looked very weak." or "Many children in poor areas are underfed." Underfed is a clear word to describe hunger caused by lack of food. It's simple but serious and helps explain why someone might be hungry or unhealthy. It's useful when talking about hunger in a caring or helping way.

16. Food-deprived

Food-deprived means lacking food and feeling hungry because of it. It's a serious way to describe people or places where food is rare or missing. For example, "The refugees were food-deprived and in need of aid." or "Food-deprived communities suffer from many health problems." This word shows hunger connected to a problem or crisis. Food-deprived means hunger that is not just temporary but part of a bigger issue. It's an important word for talking about hunger worldwide.

17. Hankering

Hankering means having a strong or lasting desire for food or something tasty. It's more about craving and wanting a special food than just being hungry. For example, "I have a hankering for fried chicken tonight." or "She's been hankering for ice cream all day." Hankering is a fun and friendly word that shows you're thinking about food you really want. It's perfect when you're not starving but dreaming of a delicious snack or meal.

Final Thoughts

Using different words for hungry helps you express how you feel better. Whether you're starving, peckish, or craving something special, there's a perfect word for every kind of hunger. These synonyms make talking about hunger more fun and clear. Try using them in your conversations or writing to add flavor and excitement. Remember, hunger is normal, but how you say it can be interesting! So next time your stomach rumbles, pick the best word and share your hunger story.