ANIMAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

animal 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-nə-məl

Definition of animal next

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

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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of animal

Noun

Just be sure to use gloves or fabric, keep the animal close to the ground, and leave it somewhere shady. —

Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025 Each year, the nonprofit rescues about 100 rabbits across the greater New York City area after the animals are abandoned or brought to traditional shelters ill-equipped to care for them. —

Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Yiannas' notice comes less than a week before Califf is expected to release a response to a scathing report calling for an overhaul of the way the agency regulates human and animal foods. —

Jonel Aleccia, ajc, 25 Jan. 2023 The effects wouldn't be seen just in animal life—wildebeests help to maintain the grassland ecosystem, too. —

Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2010 See all Example Sentences for animal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal

Noun

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet.

— Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
These aquatic, semiaquatic or terrestrial creatures are easily recognized thanks to their bony, cartilaginous shells and slow-pace movements.

— Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025