Thesaurus

animal

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms of animal

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 for animal

Words Related to animal

blastie
[Scottish],
varmint,
vermin

feral

animal

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of animal (Entry 2 of 2)

of or relating to the human body

had intellectual as well as animal needs

Synonyms for animal

Words Related to animal

hand-to-hand

Near Antonyms for animal

Antonyms for animal

Frequently Asked Questions About animal

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