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
All animals that come to a shelter come with a sad story. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 In humans, this triggers a fight or flight response, but other animals choose unique third options. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
But momentum is building for non-animal approaches, which could ultimately help speed drug development, improve patient outcomes and reduce the burdens borne by lab animals, experts said. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for animal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal
Noun
  • On the way, Elliott hits a baby unicorn with his rental SUV, wounding it, and Ridley touches its horn and forms a trippy spiritual connection with the creature.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Where do the natural wonders of America’s wildlife in its mute creatures—the tortoises, birds, bumblebees, flowers, fish and forests—fit in the fiscal tug-of-war amid current political winners and losers?
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While the pneumonia infection has been successfully treated, Francis will continue to take oral medication for quite some time to treat the fungal infection in his lungs and continue his respiratory and physical physiotherapy.
    Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Starting June 1, 2025, a 12% VAT will apply to digital services consumed within the Philippines, even if the provider does not have a physical presence in the country.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This multi-drive mode beast has the ability to serve multi-purpose, from driving to work, haul the kids around, or be the weekend beast for all of your off-roading and camping needs.
    Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025
  • By many accounts, Planned Parenthood is an incurably sick beast whose time is nearing its end.
    Erik Baptist, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Delaney was booked into the Marina del Rey Sheriff's Station at 10:15 a.m. and charged with assault, likely to produce gross bodily injury.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Burnett, then 21, of Hammond got ten years in prison in October after pleading guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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