fierce

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfirs 

fiercer; fiercest

1

a

: violently hostile or aggressive in temperament

a fierce tiger

b

: given to fighting or killing : pugnacious

fierce fighters

2

a

: marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence

a fierce argument

b

: extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense

fierce pain

3

: furiously active or determined

make a fierce effort

4

: wild or menacing in appearance

5

informal : having or expressing bold confidence or style

When it comes to celebrity fashion, while the looks are fierce they're not always attainable.

—Marlen Komar

fierceness noun

fierceness

2 of 2

noun

fierce·​ness

-snə̇s

plural -es

: the quality or state of being fierce : ferocity

Synonyms of fierce

Adjective

• ferocious
• savage
• vicious

Choose the Right Synonym for fierce

fierce, ferocious, barbarous, savage, cruel 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

ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Examples of fierce in a Sentence

Adjective

He was killed in a fierce battle.

The proposal has faced fierce opposition.

The two teams have had a fierce rivalry for many years.

He's admired for his fierce independence.

You could see the fierce determination in her eyes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The proposal already triggered a fierce debate, accentuating the divide between the rich and poor in a state that’s expensive to live in. —Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Milly Alcock is a total badass, delivering a performance that’s both fierce and vulnerable as Kara Zor-El. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026

The upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Australia has unexpectedly escalated into a fierce rivalry, despite both teams initially celebrating their favorable draw. —Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Industry opposition to the health insurance plan tax was also fierce, with those companies’ representatives saying working Californians were likely to see their monthly premiums go up. —Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek thēr wild animal

Noun

Middle English fersnesse, fiersnesse, from fers, fiers + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fierce

• something fierce

Rhymes for fierce

• tierce

Kids Definition

fierce

adjective

ˈfi(ə)rs 

fiercer; fiercest

1

a

: violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition

b

: eager to fight or kill

2

: expressed with extreme force or anger : intense

a fierce argument

3

: furiously active or determined

a fierce effort

4

: wild or threatening in appearance

fiercely adverb

fierceness noun