1
as in to down
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
a champion boxer who was shockingly felled in the first round
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to mow
to bring down by cutting
the settlers began the daunting task of felling the mighty trees that blanketed the island
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
the quest for a cure for malaria, the disease that felled so many during the digging of the Panama Canal
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
planning for the distribution of resources in case of some fell event
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in savage
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
a once-mighty nation conquered by a fell and barbarous enemy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fell
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
23 June 2026
That triggered an Israeli response, culminating in a ferocious campaign that felled much of Hezbollah’s leadership.
—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
Despite the initial hurdles, Hale persevered in a house full of toxic haters and fought her way back from the very bottom of the pecking order to become the first Black woman to win Big Brother and the show’s America’s Favorite Player award in one fell swoop.
—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fell
Verb
Now, 10 years to the day after the Brexit vote and with six prime ministers having been felled by economic and political turbulence, the country once again looks to a new leader — and back to the crucible that helped set it on this torrid journey.
—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
23 June 2026
That triggered an Israeli response, culminating in a ferocious campaign that felled much of Hezbollah’s leadership.
—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
Adjective
Their first album in nine years, Paradessence, surveys a global landscape defined by genocide, climate catastrophe, and post-pandemic disorder with clarity, weaving unnerving builds with gorgeous, blooming moments best listened to in one fell swoop.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
Despite the initial hurdles, Hale persevered in a house full of toxic haters and fought her way back from the very bottom of the pecking order to become the first Black woman to win Big Brother and the show’s America’s Favorite Player award in one fell swoop.
—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell
Verb
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After the storm, Lake Geneva Mayor Todd Krause declared an emergency and said one person suffered minor injuries after being struck by a falling tree while downed power lines and trees blocked some streets.
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Chestnut is now an 18-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion after blowing out the competition once again, this time by downing 66 hot dogs and buns in Coney Island.
Verb
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Residents, meanwhile, can help the town’s efforts by reducing standing water around their homes, keeping their lawns mowed and trimmed, keeping rain barrels covered or screened, and cleaning their gutters regularly to prevent accumulated water.
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Raise mowing height during dry spells to promote deeper roots and conserve soil moisture.
Verb
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The mother of a man killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike in Manhattan is demanding justice for her son.
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The one-two punch wreaked massive destruction throughout the region, killing at least 235 and wounding more than 4,300.
Adjective
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The weather service also warns not to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
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At worst, the consequences can be lethal for mothers or babies.
Adjective
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The Yellow Death has disfigured the population, and soldiers in white-and-red tunics serve the savage Duke of Tviot.
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Josefowicz, in her decathlon of a performance, brought Ligeti’s savage discontinuities to the surface.
Verb
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The most violent wind report came from Northbrook, where half of a roof on a 20-car garage was lifted and then dropped, damaging at least seven cars in a parking shelter for a condominium.
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Police release video of the person racing across the roof of the building from where authorities say the shot was fired, dropping down to the ground and walking off campus.
Verb
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The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.
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That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
Adjective
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At the same time, vaccination rates have declined, worrying experts that more people could become vulnerable to this potentially deadly but preventable infection.
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The suspect, who has not yet been identified by police, was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of 22-year-old Nasir Majied on Friday, June 5.
Cite this Entry
“Fell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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