ANIMAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of animal are carnal , fleshly , and sensual . While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person. // led a mindless animal existence

Q: When can 'carnal' be used instead of 'animal'?

The words carnal and animal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature. // a slave to carnal desires

Q: How do 'fleshly' and 'carnal' relate to one another, in the sense of 'animal'?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal . // a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sensual' instead of 'animal'?

The words sensual and animal can be used in similar contexts, but sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual. // fleshpots providing sensual delights

animal 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-nə-məl

Definition of animal next

as in creature

one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings we saw a lot of animals at the wildlife refuge—cranes, alligators, deer, a fox, even an armadillo

Synonyms & Similar Words

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animal

2 of 2

adjective

as in physical

of or relating to the human body had intellectual as well as animal needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of animal are carnal, fleshly, and sensual. While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

When can carnal be used instead of animal?

The words carnal and animal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature.

a slave to carnal desires

How do fleshly and carnal relate to one another, in the sense of animal?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

When is it sensible to use sensual instead of animal?

The words sensual and animal can be used in similar contexts, but sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual.

fleshpots providing sensual delights

Example 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 animal

Noun

This animal is bouncing back from the brink of extinction Animal conservationists in Australia have launched an initiative to bring back miniature kangaroo lookalikes. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 Other times, these animals do something that has never been seen. —

Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Nature friendly and environmentally friendly products are readily accepted by the sophisticated consumer who is searching for products that are non-animal. —

Walter Loeb, Forbes, 10 June 2022 Yiannas' notice comes less than a week before Califf is expected to release a response to a scathing report calling for an overhaul of the way the agency regulates human and animal foods. —

Jonel Aleccia, ajc, 25 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for animal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal

Noun

Sten Lennart Jakobsen/East Zealand Museum About 66 million years ago, just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, a fish chewed up and spit out some sea creatures.

— James Doubek, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
In the karst, rocky limestone landscape of Thailand, a group of green creatures hides in the shadows.

— Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025