savage 1 of 3

Definition of savagenext

savage

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adjective

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savage

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of savage are barbarous, cruel, ferocious, and fierce. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

Where would barbarous be a reasonable alternative to savage?

Although the words barbarous and savage have much in common, barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When would cruel be a good substitute for savage?

The words cruel and savage can be used in similar contexts, but cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

When can ferocious be used instead of savage?

While in some cases nearly identical to savage, ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When might fierce be a better fit than savage?

The synonyms fierce and savage are sometimes interchangeable, but fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

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 savage
Noun
Smoothbrain libs and savages can KMA. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026 Yet the car was also a burden, with high monthly interest payments, which put savage masculinity at odds with paternal liability. Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Adjective
Harron slyly transforms it into a savage social satire, using the narrator’s unreliable point of view to borderline absurdist effect. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 What begins as a desperate family bonding trip rapidly devolves into savage violence and brutal psychological warfare. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2026
Verb
Chronic disease programs, in particular, have been savaged, whether those programs have been focused on oral health or tobacco control, to name a few. Helen Branswell, STAT, 30 Mar. 2026 We’ve been dealt a nigh-unbearable hand when two of our communities were utterly savaged by fire. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savage
Noun
  • Shinnecock was still a brute of a test, but the red numbers on the white scoreboard were an unfamiliar site for this course.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • These brutes commonly exceed 50 pounds.
    Keith Sutton, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Then, a thousand years after Rome fell to barbarians, Italy brightly lit the paths of the Renaissance for others to follow.
    Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • There are barbarians with battle axes and swords, robots with laser guns, spaceships, a warlock with a skull for a face.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Due Amici brings Brooklyn roots and authenticity, right down to the counter service that’s not rude but not exactly warm.
    Peter St. Onge Updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
  • It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.
    Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The New York Mets are in disarray thanks to a brutal start to what was supposed to be a promising season.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • In 1972, a year after a brutal conflict—one in which India helped with the rebirth of the eastern wing of Pakistan as Bangladesh—New Delhi and Islamabad concluded an agreement that resumed limited trade.
    Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life.
    Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Almost immediately, her half-feral dragon attacks Moondancer.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of, Ross asked Janssen about the steamy bathhouse scene during which Xenia and Bond face off in an encounter that is both flirty and ferocious.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2026
  • In 2018, a blaze east of Athens moved with ferocious speed, killing more than 100 people.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • He is accused of attacking a 27-year-old man with a beer mug inside the Hula Bar on Saturday night.
    Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Liv Morgan controversially interrupted Iyo Sky's coronation, attacking her and forcing a tap-out.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • The performance earned her the award for best villain at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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