ferocious

[fuh-roh-shuhs] / fəˈroʊ ʃəs /

ADJECTIVE

violent, barbaric

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brutal brutish cruel fierce frightful merciless murderous ravenous relentless ruthless savage vehement vicious voracious

WEAK

barbarous bloodthirsty fell feral grim implacable inhuman inhumane lupine pitiless predatory rapacious ravening sanguinary tigerish truculent unmerciful unrestrained untamed wild wolfish

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm compassionate considerate gentle giving kind merciful nice pleasant satisfied sympathetic tame

WEAK

innocent mild nonviolent tender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They represent a ferocious test for Scotland - and also an opportunity.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

It’s a tedious spin on a Wolverine movie Jackman has already made, 2017’s “Logan,” in which his mythic anti-heroic X-Man fosters a ferocious moppet en route to the grave.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

But if you would like to set a social media thread ablaze with ferocious debate, this question will never let you down.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2026

She celebrated with a clenched fist after a ferocious smash secured a break for a 4-1 lead.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

But he was dead in a ferocious pose.

From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo

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