fiercer; fiercest
1
a
: violently hostile or aggressive in temperament
a fierce tiger
b
: given to fighting or killing : pugnacious
fierce fighters
2
a
: marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence
a fierce argument
b
: extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense
fierce pain
3
: furiously active or determined
make a fierce effort
4
: wild or menacing in appearance
5
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 Efforts to remedy this legal limbo ignite fierce pushback, including claims of discrimination against White people. Emma Kumer, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Colossal Biosciences is working on several de-extinction projects in the hopes of bringing back the woolly mammoth, the dodo bird and other extinct species Scientists are one step closer to bringing back one of the world’s fiercest mammals. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The unity among camp factions and their conflict with Israeli forces is also placing the communities increasingly beyond the reach of the governing PA, which sees the militant brigades and their fierce autonomy as a challenge to its own authority. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 While the first wave of #MeToo appeared to have little impact on the French film industry, there is a second reckoning underway, with new allegations and a fierce debate in the media and within professional bodies. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 The film, filled with fierce battles and life lessons, showcases the determination to protect their sanctuary. Partner Content, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 Her commitment to journalism and to her community has been so fierce and always driven by integrity and decency. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 The delay has drawn fierce criticism from public health organizations. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 But Kim, despite fierce shareholder backlash, received a government pardon and returned to the company, becoming chief executive in 2021. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024

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.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek thēr wild animal

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fierce was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fierce

Cite this Entry

“Fierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fierce. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fierce

adjective
fiercer; fiercest
1
a
: violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
b
: eager to fight or kill
2
: expressed with extreme force or anger : intense
a fierce argument
3
: furiously active or determined
a fierce effort
4
: wild or threatening in appearance
fiercely adverb
fierceness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fierce

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!