FERAL Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of feral are bestial , brutal , and brutish . While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals. // the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

Q: In what contexts can 'bestial' take the place of 'feral'?

While the synonyms bestial and feral are close in meaning, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts. // bestial depravity

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

Although the words brutal and feral have much in common, 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 is 'brutish' a more appropriate choice than 'feral'?

The meanings of brutish and feral largely overlap; however, brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct. // brutish stupidity

feral 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfir-əl

Definition of feral next

as in wild

living outdoors without taming or domestication by humans animal experts discourage homeowners from trying to adopt feral animals as pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in brute

having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal a novel that reveals just how thin the veneer of civilization is and how feral we are at bottom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

feral

2 of 2

noun

as in animal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

invertebrate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective feral differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of feral are bestial, brutal, and brutish. While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals.

the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

In what contexts can bestial take the place of feral?

While the synonyms bestial and feral are close in meaning, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts.

bestial depravity

When would brutal be a good substitute for feral?

Although the words brutal and feral have much in common, brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity.

a senseless and brutal war

When is brutish a more appropriate choice than feral?

The meanings of brutish and feral largely overlap; however, brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct.

brutish stupidity

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 feral

Adjective

Rosie, a feral cat his wife adopted and slowly coaxed into trusting her, was skittish and unfriendly, and rarely interacted with Mr. Escott. —

Kellen Browning, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Read Next World Trail cameras monitoring ‘feral’ cats record ‘great surprise’ in Australia. —

Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025 That feral state certainly translates to the screen. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Pigs are known to attack humans, but fatalities tend to be caused by feral animals, such as wild boars, rather than domestic livestock. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for feral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feral

Adjective

On just his second hole of the day, the 2018 Masters champion teed off at the 12th – renowned for its raucous atmosphere and wild celebrations – with his ball eventually rolling into the cup.

— Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
The overall risk to Ohioans remains low, ODH said, but those in close contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds should take precautions.

— Shahid Meighan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025