Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

savage

[sav-ij] / ˈsæv ɪdʒ /
ADJECTIVE
wild, untamed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
barbaric crude fierce turbulent
STRONG
barbarian lupine natural primitive rough
WEAK
bestial feral in a state of nature primeval primordial rude unbroken uncivilized uncultivated uncultured undomesticated unmodified unrestrained
Antonyms
STRONGEST
domesticated peaceful tame
STRONG
calm civilized cultured gentle polished
WEAK
polite refined sophisticated
ADJECTIVE
cruel, vicious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atrocious barbarous bloody brutal cold-blooded destructive ferocious fierce harsh inhuman inhumane merciless murderous relentless ruthless sadistic unrelenting violent
STRONG
crazed demoniac infernal raging ravening
WEAK
beastly bestial bloodthirsty brutish devilish diabolical feral ferine frantic furious grim heartless hellish malevolent malicious pitiless rabid rapacious remorseless truculent wolfish
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compassionate gentle humane kind merciful nice polite sympathetic tender
WEAK
benign

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.

Ms. Gionfriddo writes tartly funny dialogue that stings and surprises, with tangy quips and savage retorts whizzing through the air, giving a buoyancy even to scenes that occasionally stretch past their necessary length.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

On its release, BBC music correspondent Mark Savage described West End Girl as "a savage and startlingly detailed portrait of a marriage being torn apart".

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Fears that artificial intelligence products will butcher the business models of software-as-a-service companies has caused savage selling in their stocks.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

“We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

“Of course Prince was savage with strangers,” said Uncle Peter.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Vocabulary lists containing savage

More Negative Words to Describe a Person

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Mending Wall," by Robert Frost

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!