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 county’s three existing pet sale retailers can continue selling animals but face new restrictions, including licensing and inspection requirements and new vaccine and health requirements for animals. Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 In terms of animal mortality, this year’s bloom was the worst since 2015-16 outbreak that killed thousands of animals between Alaska and Baja California, said SCCOOS director Clarissa Anderson of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Adjective
However, they are immediately attacked by a ferocious creature that seems not fully animal, not fully human. EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or visiting one of the area’s animal sanctuaries. Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for animal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal
Noun
  • Even more astonishing, the largest migration on Earth occurs daily as deep-sea creatures rise to the surface under cover of night to make their way to other areas.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Ultimately, this first installment has laid the foundation for the theme of nature vs. nurture and answering the age old question of whether man and creature can get along.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The environmental scientist will help check the quality of local rivers, lakes and streams by testing water for physical, chemical and biological factors.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
  • In early-stage venture capital and startup formation—especially in deep tech and physical AI—the hardest problems cannot be solved in isolation.
    Nate Williams, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Some 20 minutes later, an 8-foot beast finally rises to the surface, revealing the heavyweight at the end of the line.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • But schools without football don’t have to feed the beast.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Djuna Bostick, 59, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse by a willful act or omission causing serious bodily injury, according to the Hamlet Police Department.
    Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2025
  • Dale was charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, and Bean was charged with official oppression and injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, a third-degree felony.
    Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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