animal 1 of 2

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

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

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
The change also aligned with the WHO’s guidelines for naming diseases, which emphasize avoiding names that are offensive to cultural groups, or that negatively impact trade, tourism, or animal welfare. Dr. Nikki Romanik, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 His interest in animals isn’t at quite the same level as his mother’s, Goodall said in Jane. Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or visiting one of the area’s animal sanctuaries. Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023 Smoothies are an easy way to incorporate more non-animal protein into your diet. Amy Stanford, Health, 27 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for animal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal
Noun
  • Chimpanzees seemed to accept Goodall as one of their own, and the public was fascinated by both her easy familiarity with the creatures as well as her groundbreaking discoveries that showed just how much chimps are like humans.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Whether your child becomes a fantastic creature, a spell-binding witch, or something more run-of-the-mill, their expression of pure imagination is the magic of Halloween.
    Parents Editors, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Green Hill plans to help restart Smith Springs financially, provide manpower for physical work and could potentially have some of its congregants move to Smith Springs Baptist, officials said.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Harbaugh wants to be a physical team.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But Arthur is a more straightforward lyricist than Michael Stipe, and Arthur Buck 2 is largely its own charmingly shambolic beast.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Best Vehicle Unleash the beasts with two dragons that eat, launch, race, and store Hot Wheels cars.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sanchez was charged with felony battery involving serious bodily injury on Monday.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Originally, Ascher and Fraker were each charged with one count of failure to act to prevent bodily harm to a child, a felony that could have resulted in as much as six-year prison sentences.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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