Definition of FERAL

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

She was initially said to be feral, but her friendly nature ruled out that possibility. — Sian Ferguson, Good Housekeeping, "Why Adopting My Anxious Kitten Was The Best Thing I Ever Did For My Mental Health," 9 June 2017 Indeed, once father and daughter rejoin society, the film’s primary dilemma emerges: While Tom quickly takes to a less feral existence, her father has a much harder time adjusting. — Martin Fritz Huber, Outside Online, "'Leave No Trace' Is Brutally Honest About Rewilding," 28 June 2018 The edginess is apparent even in the kids, from the feral Isabel to another teenage character who seems to exist solely to set up a third film. — Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, "Review: 'Sicario' gets a grim but timely sequel in 'Day of the Soldado'," 27 June 2018 This is in play with a fetching feral rose that Hilker has allowed to populate a corner of the property. — Adrian Higgins, sacbee, "As for beauty and fragrance, the rambler comes up roses," 15 June 2018 The clinic also houses a surgical suite in which doctors operate on animals who have been adopted, shelter animals and cats brought in through CAP’s feral cat spay and neuter program. — Karen Zurawski, Houston Chronicle, "Citizens for Animal Protection expands low-cost clinic hours," 12 June 2018 The feral herd, which numbers about 100, is thought to be descended from Spanish Mustangs brought to the North Carolina coast by explorers four centuries ago, according to VisitCurrituck.com. — Mark Price, charlotteobserver, "Wild horse killed on NC's Outer Banks. Her mate stood watch over the body all night.," 11 June 2018 Sara Dawdy is the feral cat intervention coordinator at the Louisiana SPCA. — Robert Rhoden, NOLA.com, "La. black bear makes himself at home in city of Winnfield: report," 1 June 2018 The 641-page bill also addresses a range of issues related to agriculture, such as livestock disaster programs, conservation, feral swine, farm loan programs and broadband services in rural areas, just to name a few. — Ashley Killough, CNN, "House is expected to vote on farm bill Friday," 18 May 2018

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.