animal 1 of 2

Definition of animalnext
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
But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it. Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 24 June 2026 The findings are early and based on animals, not people. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
When Hamnet dies, Agnes lets out a sound of pure grief and rage and horror that is almost animal. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026 And much like the fictional sport’s real-world counterpart, in this all-animal cinematic universe, roarball is the ultimate culture-definer. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for animal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal
Noun
  • Compelling characters, breathtaking action, beautiful environments, and an array of wondrous alien creatures.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 24 June 2026
  • One of the earliest signs that the new Supergirl will be an uninspired slog is the overload of blobby alien dirtbags, grotesque creatures that look like they were refused admission to the Mos Eisley Cantina in the original Star Wars movie.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the absence of an official investigation, the incident last September has been magnified, and perhaps embellished, in the minds of veterans living on the campus, a community defined by the vulnerability of physical disability, substance use and trauma.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Doulas practice across the country to assist patients before, during, and after childbirth, particularly with their emotional and physical needs.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps another beast could be used for making hamburgers instead.
    David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • Amusingly, these events were nicknamed perytons, after a fictional beast that had the hybrid body of a stag and bird but cast the shadow of a human; a nod to their imposter nature.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keller police said Michael Mango of Ferris was speeding and arrested him on suspicion of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • Riverside County Sheriff’s Glynn Wilburn was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, felony reckless driving causing serious injury and great bodily injury enhancement, according to a June 18 release from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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