fierce

adjective

ˈfirs

fiercer; fiercest

Synonyms of fierce next

: violently hostile or aggressive in temperament

a fierce tiger

: given to fighting or killing : pugnacious

fierce fighters

: marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence

a fierce argument

: extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense

fierce pain

: furiously active or determined

make a fierce effort

: wild or menacing in appearance

informal : having or expressing bold confidence or style

When it comes to celebrity fashion, while the looks are fierce they're not always attainable.—

Marlen Komar

fierceness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for fierce

fierce, ferocious, barbarous, savage, cruel mean showing fury or malignity in looks or actions.

fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Examples of fierce in a Sentence

He was killed in a fierce battle. The proposal has faced fierce opposition. The two teams have had a fierce rivalry for many years. He's admired for his fierce independence. You could see the fierce determination in her eyes.

Recent Examples on the Web Despite fierce political and economic headwinds, Obama in 2016 designated the three new national monuments Feinstein had requested: Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains. —

Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2023 Throughout his tenure on both courts, the justice built a reputation for his commitment to progressive Islamism, fierce condemnations of those in power, and protection of religious minorities. —

Hasan Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Sep. 2023 Expect to hear a fierce defense from House Democrats on the Oversight panel, too. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 28 Sep. 2023 He was known for his fierce temper, love of cigars and whiskey and of course, for uncovering the burial site of the renowned Egyptian ruler, King Tutankhamen — King Tut. —

Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2023 America’s fiercest competition isn’t found on a football field or a basketball court. —

Christian Schneider, National Review, 28 Sep. 2023 The misconduct allegations and Daly’s retort are part of a fierce larger battle among Post 43 members that pits a group that has long strongly supported the endeavor against critics who believe its renovation and operation have been plagued by financial blunders and other questionable decisions. —

Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2023 And though it’s often forgotten, Buffett was also a fierce advocate for manatees, and played a vital role in saving them. —

Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2023 Fans captured footage of the fierce, energized two-song set. —

Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fierce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.