1
as in brutality
the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property
an act of violence caused the window to be shattered
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
taken aback by the violence of her denial of any wrongdoing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in emotion
depth of feeling
some people were taken aback by the violence with which the magazine's art critic attacked the exhibition
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of violence
Higgins began his comments acknowledging the violence in Minneapolis, echoing comments increasingly being heard by state and municipal police officials.
—
Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
Many food establishments around the country nonetheless deemed the sacrifice worthwhile today, joining a nationwide strike against ICE’s mass deportations and violence against protesters in Minneapolis and across the country.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Friends and family members of mine have moved from neighborhood to neighborhood to escape the violence.
—Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
According to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, juvenile crime arrests increased 146% in 2024 compared with 2023, but Scott was reelected that same year, touting his Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, treating violence as a public health issue.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for violence
Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
Many food establishments around the country nonetheless deemed the sacrifice worthwhile today, joining a nationwide strike against ICE’s mass deportations and violence against protesters in Minneapolis and across the country.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Friends and family members of mine have moved from neighborhood to neighborhood to escape the violence.
—Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
According to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, juvenile crime arrests increased 146% in 2024 compared with 2023, but Scott was reelected that same year, touting his Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, treating violence as a public health issue.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for violence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violence
Noun
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The department’s oversight, an unprecedented arrangement that began with the infamous Riders brutality scandal in the early 2000s, will continue at least until May.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
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The movie is happy to have Linda commit acts of brutality to preserve her place on top, but what is true equality if not allowing your anti-heroine to be in all ways just as monstrously self-interested as the men?—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Historic volatility The Cboe Gold Volatility Index surged this month to its highest level since the Covid pandemic in 2020, reflecting the intensity of the metal’s recent volatility.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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These settings reduce the speed and intensity of the tumbling action, minimizing the likelihood of tangling.—
Anyssa Roberts,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Embarrassment could have been a factor in the rash decision, but Trump is not a man who appears to be afflicted by that particular emotion, which takes its cue from a certain amount of self-awareness and humility.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Seeing athletes persevere teaches kids healthy lessons about effort, teamwork, and handling big emotions.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Schwesinger also battled through an ankle injury this season, playing 16 of 17 games for Kevin Stefanski’s club.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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After several years of gradual development amid shifting roles and a major shoulder injury, Dosunmu cemented himself as an elite two-way player this season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In practice that means less competition and more enthusiasm.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
2 Feb. 2026
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That’s a solid start for the $40 million production, which is expected to stick around beyond its debut, thanks to great word-of-mouth and enthusiasm for original horror.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Martinez and another man were charged in October with assault with a deadly weapon, accused of following the agents' vehicles and initiating the collision with Exum's SUV that led to the shooting on Chicago's south side.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Pretti was shot while agents were evidently seeking to detain a man, Jose Huerta-Chuma, whom Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said had an extensive criminal record including domestic assault.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The brothers now couch surf between family members’ homes and Airbnbs, intent on documenting what some describe as the unprecedented aggressiveness of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.—
Sophia Peyser,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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Gardner, who has impressed as a reserve recently with his relentless energy and aggressiveness, recorded 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field, 1-of-2 shooting on threes and 3-of-5 shooting from the foul line, 11 rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes on Saturday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The topics on Rubio's list include the range of Iran's ballistic missiles, its sponsorship of terror organizations, its nuclear program and the treatment of its people.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Throughout these harrowing days, Yitzhak poured his heart into his diary, describing the confusion, the terror, the streets filled with armed soldiers hunting for victims.—
Dr. Michael Good,
Hartford Courant,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violence. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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