Entry Word: savage

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 not civilized <Tarzan is usually portrayed as a noble but savage warrior of the jungle>

Synonyms barbarous, heathen, heathenish, Neanderthal, rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild

Related Words coarse, crude, primitive, rough; uncouth, uncultured

Near Antonyms cultured, enlightened, humane, sophisticated; genteel, polite, refined, urbane, well-bred

Antonyms civilized

2 having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others <a savage attack on a helpless person> — see cruel 1
3 living outdoors without taming or domestication by humans <savage beasts that seemed threatening to the tourists> — see wild 1
4 violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition <early explorers avoided those areas that were rumored to be inhabited by savage natives> — see fierce 1