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

While the dogs are now safe with foster families, Holmes faces multiple charges, including confining an animal without sufficient food or water, keeping animals in an enclosure without exercise or air, and tormenting or depriving an animal. —Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

Manchester City, who will try to join them in the Carabao Cup final tonight, are no longer the animal everybody aspires to be. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Rendering is a process that transforms animal by-products, like leftover meat and fats...and yes, chicken feet, into usable materials, such as animal feed, fuel, and other industrial products. —Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Ramping up surveillance Experts say the U.S. needs to boost its surveillance and detection systems now that there are more animal and human cases of D1.1. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing animal

• animal husbandry
• animal magnetism