savagery

noun

sav·​age·​ry ˈsa-vi-jə-rē How to pronounce savagery (audio)
ˈsa-vij-rē
plural savageries
Synonyms of savagerynext
1
a
: the quality of being savage
b
: an act of cruelty or violence
2
: an uncivilized state

Examples of savagery in a Sentence

The savagery of the attack was horrifying. an act of pure savagery the savageries committed by the soldiers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His shrieking reactions to his wife’s savagery throw into relief his good nature and her perversity. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 The land of sorcerers, dragons and savagery played out across eight gripping series, drawing millions of viewers into the fictional worlds of Westeros, Essos, and beyond. Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026 Transposing the film to the 1930s French countryside, the Nouvelle Vague legend attempted to directly counter the fervent romanticism of classic adaptations of Brontë’s novel by highlighting the matter-of-fact savagery of the characters. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 By now, the Syrian opposition, once led by nonviolent protesters, was dominated by Islamists, who were divided and feckless and could be easily lumped together with the telegenic savageries of the Islamic State, known as ISIS. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savagery

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of savagery was circa 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Savagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savagery. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

savagery

noun
sav·​age·​ry ˈsav-ij-(ə-)rē How to pronounce savagery (audio)
plural savageries
1
: savage disposition or action : cruelty
2
: the state of being savage

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