feral

adjective

fe·ral | \ ˈfir-əl

, ˈfer-; ˈfe-rəl

Definition of feral

1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a wild beast feral teeth feral instincts

2a : not domesticated or cultivated : wild feral animals

b : having escaped from domestication and become wild feral cats

Other Words from feral Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about feral

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Choose the Right Synonym for feral

brutal, brutish, bestial, feral mean characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct. brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity. a senseless and brutal war brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct. brutish stupidity bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts. bestial depravity feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals. the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

Examples of feral in a Sentence

They led a feral existence. animal experts discourage homeowners from trying to adopt feral animals as pets

Recent Examples on the Web

Similar efforts to reduce the number of resident geese along the Front Range or feral horses in Western Colorado are met with loud complaint and even threats. — Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, "Kafer: Some geese have got to go — culling is the logical and humane response," 4 July 2019 Robust data can also strengthen veterinary epidemiological studies, Rowan said, and perhaps inform feral cat population estimates, which are important for assessing their impact on wildlife. — Karin Brulliard, chicagotribune.com, "How many Americans have pets? An investigation of fuzzy statistics," 13 Sep. 2019 Emojis and insults and near-threats keep coming until poor, scandalized Don has to close his laptop and scoot away, as if on the run from a feral creature poised to bite. — Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, "Experiments with Context in “Betrayal” and “Eureka Day”," 9 Sep. 2019 As the only known hosts of the parasite, domesticated and feral felines then spread deadly strains into their environment through oocysts—egg-like structures teeming with millions of immature T. gondii—shed in feces. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Parasite Spread by House Cats Is Killing California’s Sea Otters," 30 Aug. 2019 Thebes has taken it upon himself to help socialize feral kittens who come in to the shelter. — Denise Coffey, courant.com, "Doing Her Part To Clear The Shelters," 26 Aug. 2019 Crucially, Forbes notes, the researchers pinpointed Type X’s origins to two feral cats and one bobcat living in the vicinity of the otters’ Monterey Bay habitat. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Parasite Spread by House Cats Is Killing California’s Sea Otters," 30 Aug. 2019 Dear Cathy, Dogs can be brought inside, feral cats, not so much, although there are ways. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, "Outdoor cats suffering in the Texas heat need extra help," 23 Aug. 2019 Maddox was a feral hyena who desperately missed his siblings, and Leka was in the midst of a nervous breakdown. — Kathryn Miles, Outside Online, "How to Introduce Your New Dog to Your Old Dog," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.