Synonyms of animal

animal 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-nə-məl 

as in creature

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• creature
• beast
• critter
• beastie
• brute
• invertebrate
• pet
• carnivore
• quadruped
• livestock
• herbivore
• varmint
• vermin
• vertebrate
• biped
• insectivore
• domestic animal
• blastie
• feral
• stock

animal

2 of 2

adjective

as in physical

of or relating to the human body

had intellectual as well as animal needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• physical
• bodily
• corporeal
• physiological
• somatic
• corporal
• anatomic
• carnal
• material
• sensual
• fleshly
• sensuous
• hand-to-hand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mental
• psychological
• inner
• intellectual
• cerebral
• spiritual
• nonphysical
• nonmaterial
• immaterial
• psychic
• metaphysical
• incorporeal
• ethereal
• insubstantial
• bodiless

Synonym Chooser

How is the word animal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of animal are carnal, fleshly, and sensual. While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

When can carnal be used instead of animal?

The words carnal and animal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature.

a slave to carnal desires

How do fleshly and carnal relate to one another, in the sense of animal?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

When is it sensible to use sensual instead of animal?

The words sensual and animal can be used in similar contexts, but sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual.

fleshpots providing sensual delights

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of animal

Noun

Score fresh florals, classic gingham, and whimsical animal designs that add a seasonal touch to essentials like everyday cookware, bakeware sets, kitchen linens, and more below. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026

His team found an association between a symbol that looks like the letter Y and the time at which the animals depicted on the object gave birth, as well as a link between an X and the time of year the animals were seen mating. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026

Adjective

The survey also looked at how dogs reacted to animal images versus non-animal stimuli like objects, as well as whether their reactions were sparked by visuals, sounds, or both. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2025

In 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paved the way for alternatives to animal testing, and in December 2023, an NIH advisory committee made similar recommendations to develop non-animal methods. —Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025

Phrases Containing animal

• animal husbandry
• animal magnetism