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

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 feral

Adjective

Pigs are known to attack humans, but fatalities tend to be caused by feral animals, such as wild boars, rather than domestic livestock. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Related Articles How Lake Tahoe’s rescue dogs learn to save lives Adoption fees waived to find homes for pets after fire at Humane Society Silicon Valley Adoptable or feral? —

Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024 Advocacy groups are working to get more help for the feral herd, who’s lifespan is much less than a typical equine. —

Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024 There is much less farmland and feral fields and much more forested land these days. —

Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for feral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feral

Adjective

In a wild move, the Mavericks dealt their franchise star, Luka Doncic, to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
The match featured some wild moves as both competitors made their way through multiple ladders.

— Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025