Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brutish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutish are bestial, brutal, and feral. While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct.

brutish stupidity

In what contexts can bestial take the place of brutish?

In some situations, the words bestial and brutish are roughly equivalent. However, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts.

bestial depravity

When is brutal a more appropriate choice than brutish?

The meanings of brutal and brutish largely overlap; however, brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity.

a senseless and brutal war

When could feral be used to replace brutish?

The words feral and brutish can be used in similar contexts, but feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals.

the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

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 brutish In a rare moment of vulnerability, Xan then gives voice to the deep well of shame and self-hate that bubbles beneath his and his brother’s brutish veneer. Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025 These institutions make our lives sweet, loving and creative, rather than nasty, brutish and short. David Brooks, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025 Her battle with the disease was nasty, brutish, and prolonged. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 The first 54 holes at Palmer’s brutish layout proved those off their game will be exposed. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brutish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brutish
Adjective
  • Plymouth’s two-door brute was built from 1964 to 1974, and within that decade, saw three generations.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
  • The events on the ground maintain the basic, brute pleasures of the initial premise.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Royals lost to the Dodgers on Friday night, a brutal 5-4 loss as Jac Caglianone grounded into a double play to conclude the 11th straight home loss.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
  • The 28-year-old is playing on a medical exemption after a brutal stretch of injuries and illness.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brutish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brutish. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on brutish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!