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

In neighboring Comal County, two feral cats tested positive for rabies last month. —

Brooke Park, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Oct. 2024 The two actresses spark up something fiery, almost feral in each other, and the movie is both respectful of the two women while still understanding the sensational nature of the case. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 The title and setup promise something truly feral, but the movie essentially gets spayed. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2024 Buoyed by Gilpin’s almost feral vulnerability, only Lina embodies the intensity of a regular woman unmoored by repressed desire. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for feral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feral

Adjective

The only wild bears in the San Bernardino Mountains or anywhere else in the state are black bears, according to the Fish and Wildlife Department.

Phil Helsel, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
The former stone church has stone pathways and wild gardens as shown in this listing photo.

Clio Chang, Curbed, 8 Nov. 2024