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 nervous systems of animals that swallowed or inhaled other hydraulic fluids were affected immediately with tremors, diarrhea, sweating, breathing difficulty, and sometimes several weeks later with weakness of the limbs, or paralysis. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 The Cleveland Clinic advises people to minimize their risk of plague by avoiding flea bites and exercising caution around animals that could be infected with the bacteria. Chantelle Lee, Time, 11 July 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
  • But then appeared on the road a living creature whose intent my driver could not understand: a cow.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The series, which has yet to receive a title, will see Newfoundland play Newfoundland as the rugged and picturesque Atlantic ocean provides the backdrop for the hunt for a sea creature.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Need to know: Disappearance of Neanderthals Neanderthals inhabited Europe and Asia beginning about 400,000 years ago—but by roughly 40,000 years ago, physical evidence of them vanishes from the archaeological record.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
  • Our goal should be to ensure children have access to technology that supports their learning, connection with friends, and fun, while also preventing excessive use that disrupts sleep or physical activity.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Paleontologists have spent decades hotly debating why such magnificent beasts went extinct, the emerging picture involving a one-two punch of increasing human influence on the landscape and a warmer interglacial climate that began to change the world’s ecosystems.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Right now, this tiny beast is 52% off, bringing it under $30!
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bautista-Reyes illegally entered the U.S. in 2021 during the Biden administration and was arrested by the Wayne Township, New Jersey, Police Department May 3 for aggravated assault, attempt to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
  • Brown had been facing two other charges — intentionally causing great bodily harm and mayhem, and physically abusing an elderly person — but those charges were dismissed as a part of the no contest plea, the outlet reported.
    Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animal. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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