Definitions

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.

Ferocious and dangerous at first, but then a big cuddly cat after.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2025

Ferocious storms clobbered homes and structures along the Southern California coast in January 1983.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2023

Legendary Nottingham folk-punk band Ferocious Dog is headlining the festival.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2023

Ferocious gusts ripped off roofs, collapsed walls and jolted buildings off their foundations.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 12, 2022

“What joy! What clashings and smashings! Ferocious Gurgi fills wicked warriors with awful terror and outcries.”

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

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