FEROCIOUS Synonyms: 220 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ferocious' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ferocious are barbarous , cruel , fierce , and savage . While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality. // a ferocious dog

Q: When is 'barbarous' a more appropriate choice than 'ferocious'?

Although the words barbarous and ferocious have much in common, barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people. // barbarous treatment of prisoners

Q: When can 'cruel' be used instead of 'ferocious'?

While the synonyms cruel and ferocious are close in meaning, cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. // the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Q: Where would 'fierce' be a reasonable alternative to 'ferocious'?

The meanings of fierce and ferocious largely overlap; however, fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack. // fierce warriors

Q: When would 'savage' be a good substitute for 'ferocious'?

In some situations, the words savage and ferocious are roughly equivalent. However, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion. // a savage criminal

ferocious

adjective

fə-ˈrō-shəs

Definition of ferocious next

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect the ferocious appetite that athletic teenagers have been known to display

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as in fierce

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity ferocious forest fires threatened to destroy hundreds of homes in the scrubland

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as in savage

violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition the animal is known as a ferocious predator

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as in frantic

marked by great and often stressful excitement or activity after a day of ferocious up-and-down trading, the stock market ended up down 300 points

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ferocious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ferocious are barbarous, cruel, fierce, and savage. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When is barbarous a more appropriate choice than ferocious?

Although the words barbarous and ferocious have much in common, barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When can cruel be used instead of ferocious?

While the synonyms cruel and ferocious are close in meaning, cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Where would fierce be a reasonable alternative to ferocious?

The meanings of fierce and ferocious largely overlap; however, fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

When would savage be a good substitute for ferocious?

In some situations, the words savage and ferocious are roughly equivalent. However, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

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 ferocious For this edition, Johnson spoke with Saturday Night’s hair department head, Janine Thompson, and makeup department head, Tricia Sawyer, about the tensions and triumphs of transforming a motley crew of actors into a ferocious troupe of late-night comedy legends. —

Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 14 Oct. 2024 Saturday Night takes place on Oct. 11, 1975, as a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers change television forever. —

Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2024 Cooper has been a significant part of that success as a ferocious defender up front. —

Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024 This deadly drop combines mutant healing factor with killer instincts to bring you five ferocious cards inspired by the X-Men’s most relentless member, including an all-new, legendary Wolverine card. —

Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ferocious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferocious

Adjective

The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.

Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
People with conditions like diabetes may take taurine supplements daily for extended periods, while one-time doses of taurine may be helpful before an intense workout or athletic competition.

Jillian Kubala, RD, Health, 5 Nov. 2024