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

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 feral

Adjective

Research has found that both domestic and feral cats are food sources for coyotes, says Kohl. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2024 Other invasive plant species and plant-hungry feral goats have likely done a number on the isolated plant’s overall population. —

Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 10 Oct. 2024 Will going feral finally be Adams’s ticket to winning an Oscar? —

Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2024 In the 10 days since Lavin first posted the song on TikTok, it’s gone from a feral cry of anger into a genuine viral moment complete with millions of views and people in Lavin’s corner. —

Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for feral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feral

Adjective

The audience goes wild when Foxx brings back some of his legendary characters and impersonations.

Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024
What grief does to people is pretty wild to behold.

Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024