as in creatures
one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings
we saw a lot of animals at the wildlife refuge—cranes, alligators, deer, a fox, even an armadillo
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Recent Examples of animals
Aquatic nuisance species are non-native plants and animals that can cause ecological or economic harm, or even harm to human health if introduced to a body of water.
—
Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
The Shiz University roommates initially clash before forming a friendship, which is tested at the end of the first movie when the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), who secretly plots to silence the talking animals of Oz, comes between them.
—Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Elvis was adopted by Sharon and Ozzy and became a cherished member of their large family of animals, which over the years has included dogs, cats, and even rescue pigs.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2025
With pets still stored in freezers, some of Angel Paws’ former customers are focused on reuniting owners with their animals.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Bears are among the animals that live in the 60-acre park within Eureka’s city limits.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
These tunneling animals will burrow through the turf, often under the cover of snow.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
Beyond astronomy, the continuous illumination could disrupt the delicate daily rhythms of nocturnal animals, impacting ecosystems worldwide.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
Enjoy your new house and all your animals.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
The Shiz University roommates initially clash before forming a friendship, which is tested at the end of the first movie when the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), who secretly plots to silence the talking animals of Oz, comes between them.
—Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Elvis was adopted by Sharon and Ozzy and became a cherished member of their large family of animals, which over the years has included dogs, cats, and even rescue pigs.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2025
With pets still stored in freezers, some of Angel Paws’ former customers are focused on reuniting owners with their animals.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Bears are among the animals that live in the 60-acre park within Eureka’s city limits.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
These tunneling animals will burrow through the turf, often under the cover of snow.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
Beyond astronomy, the continuous illumination could disrupt the delicate daily rhythms of nocturnal animals, impacting ecosystems worldwide.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
Enjoy your new house and all your animals.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animals
Noun
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This latest installment opens on a crisp autumn in Shady Hollow as creatures prepare for the annual Harvest Festival.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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Tudyk brings his vocal versatility to the movie as The Sweet-Toed Toad, one of the story’s most peculiar creatures.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Human beasts are rarely alone, and far from secure at the apex of the animal kingdom.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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Mammoths were not the only enormous beasts ancient humans hunted.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Animals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animals. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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