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
As deer season heats up, experts are warning Tennesseans about the risks of feeding the animals. Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025 After that incident, the department changed its approach and shot the remaining three adults with tranquilizer darts rather than a firearm, then euthanized them on the ground with injections of the type a sick animal might receive when being put to sleep by a veterinarian. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
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 See All Example Sentences for animal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animal
Noun
  • However, in 1948 scientists realized that a small population of the creatures still survived, leading to a conservation effort that's ongoing decades later.
    Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, those on the front lines of rescuing and rehabilitating animals at care centers are concerned that the current furloughs and the possibility of job cuts could result in less support for struggling ocean creatures.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Santos Jimenez remains in good physical shape, with Debbie Jimenez noting that her father-in-law would likely be going for a walk after the interview.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But his unconventional and physical style of play as a 6-foot-2, 235-pound quarterback is what endears him to them on the field.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Why no mumblings of atonement for the predatory nature of capitalism itself, its core values and standard operating procedures no different from those of the beasts in the field?
    Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The project recently won a Red Dot Design Award and miniature models of the giant beasts are on display at Singapore's Red Dot Museum until October 2026, where they can be viewed in more detail.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Having been taken to Coonabarabran Police Station, Valette was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and affray, which is fighting or the threat of unlawful violence which makes another person fear for their life, per the NSW Police news release.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Jashanpreet, an Indian national who entered the United States illegally in 2022, has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs, causing bodily injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to San Bernardino County records.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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