animal 1 of 2

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

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
Two people have been arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of children and multiple animal offenses, police said. Tj MacIas, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025 Visitors are encouraged to observe the animals, but only from a distance of 50 yards, park officials said. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
However, they are immediately attacked by a ferocious creature that seems not fully animal, not fully human. EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or visiting one of the area’s animal sanctuaries. Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for animal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal
Noun
  • This includes the eyeball alien that’s possessed the sheep, a rapidly growing Xenomorph, and large, flying bug-like creatures that have made a little hive for themselves.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Thousands of skeletal creatures were lying on bunks unable to move, while dead bodies were piled in heaps all around the camp, reeking of putrefaction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Farrell was a heavy favorite due to his complete physical transformation in The Penguin, becoming barely recognizable to play villainous Oswald.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • With a mix of humor and introspection, Turturro’s speech reflected on his experiences taking care of his late brother with mental challenges and physical illness.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The inference is that beyond just co-existing with the magnificent beast, the tribe are its descendants.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This guy is a beast inside, in both phases, the run and the pass game.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sumpter was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including assault likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury and dissuading a witness, Butte County public records show.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Tyler Robinson was also arrested on charges of obstruction of justice and the felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, authorities said.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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