FIERCE Synonyms: 411 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of fierce are barbarous , cruel , ferocious , and savage . While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack. // fierce warriors

Q: Where would 'barbarous' be a reasonable alternative to 'fierce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fierce , barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people. // barbarous treatment of prisoners

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cruel' instead of 'fierce'?

The meanings of cruel and fierce largely overlap; however, cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. // the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Q: When would 'ferocious' be a good substitute for 'fierce'?

The synonyms ferocious and fierce are sometimes interchangeable, but ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality. // a ferocious dog

Q: When can 'savage' be used instead of 'fierce'?

Although the words savage and fierce have much in common, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion. // a savage criminal

fierce

adjective

ˈfirs

Definition of fierce next

as in ferocious

violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition the Vikings had a well-earned reputation for being fierce warriors

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as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect a fierce wind made the frigid temperatures seem even worse

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as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance the fierce faces of the players on the opposing hockey team

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as in aggressive

having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal a social reformer of fierce and fearless determination

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as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity fierce fighting raged in the streets of the war-torn city

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as in frantic

marked by great and often stressful excitement or activity fierce early-morning trading sent stocks soaring

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fierce are barbarous, cruel, ferocious, and savage. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

Where would barbarous be a reasonable alternative to fierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to fierce, barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When is it sensible to use cruel instead of fierce?

The meanings of cruel and fierce largely overlap; however, cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

When would ferocious be a good substitute for fierce?

The synonyms ferocious and fierce are sometimes interchangeable, but ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When can savage be used instead of fierce?

Although the words savage and fierce have much in common, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

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 fierce The brand’s fierce approach to business and creativity creates something not only exciting but contagious—a call to celebrate every moment with positivity, passion and purpose—and most importantly to be present. —

Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's views that the incoming Trump administration needs to bring in more foreign tech workers sparked fierce backlash from Trump supporters who argue those visas take jobs from American workers and depress U.S. wages. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Zhao’s successor Li will be tasked with trying to expand Honor’s presence overseas amid fierce competition, with a focus on making the brand more recognizable. —

Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025 Lyft’s challenges were compounded by fierce rivalry with Uber (NYSE: UBER) and the disruptive impact of the pandemic. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fierce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fierce

Adjective

Defensive standouts Bruce Smith and Derrick Thomas were ferocious competitors.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025
The latter, which begins at Second and Market Streets, circles Union Square and ends at Kearny Street and Columbus Ave., includes floats, ferocious lions, firecrackers and a 288-foot long Golden Dragon.

— Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025