BRUTAL Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'brutal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutal are bestial , brutish , and feral . While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity. // a senseless and brutal war

Q: When would 'bestial' be a good substitute for 'brutal'?

The words bestial and brutal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts. // bestial depravity

Q: In what contexts can 'brutish' take the place of 'brutal'?

The words brutish and brutal can be used in similar contexts, but brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct. // brutish stupidity

Q: When is 'feral' a more appropriate choice than 'brutal'?

Although the words feral and brutal have much in common, feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals. // the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

brutal

adjective

ˈbrü-tᵊl

Definition of brutal next

as in harsh

difficult to endure brutal hard labor in the hot sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cruel

having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others a brutal tyrant who drove his country to revolt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in brute

having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal a coarse, brutal man who has no sense of what it means to be refined or sensitive or cultured

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brutal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutal are bestial, brutish, and feral. While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity.

a senseless and brutal war

When would bestial be a good substitute for brutal?

The words bestial and brutal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts.

bestial depravity

In what contexts can brutish take the place of brutal?

The words brutish and brutal can be used in similar contexts, but brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct.

brutish stupidity

When is feral a more appropriate choice than brutal?

Although the words feral and brutal have much in common, feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals.

the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

Examples 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 brutal The hourslong attack was described as sophisticated and brutal. —

Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024 One of Syria’s most notorious jails contains evidence of the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024 The brutal attack began with an assault on Luna’s 28-year-old friend Yullimar Valez, according to Kenny. —

Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Dec. 2024 This clash of titans will be a brutal showcase of strength, strategy, and pure grit. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brutal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brutal

Adjective

The corps’ push for additional benefits coincided with a harsh realization for the British Army: For white men, service in the West Indies was viewed as a death sentence due to the high risk of disease.

Kinsey Gidick, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
This is especially key as bitcoin has surged to $100,000 , meaning that the earliest holders with the lowest basis could be facing harsh taxes on sale.

Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024