as in creatures
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
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Recent Examples of animals
Still, the current outbreak is a warning sign of what’s to come with zoonotic diseases that move from animals to people, public health experts say.
—
Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 May 2026
The small fish, also known as remoras, are known for attaching themselves to larger marine animals — including whales and sharks — for protection, free transportation and food.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
On a January 2025 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson said that the antiparasitic drugs ivermectin and fenbendazole, which are both commonly used to treat worms in animals, had made his friends’ cancer disappear.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
The study also found that tadpoles in the pre-metamorphic stage had higher microplastic contamination than those closer to becoming frogs, and that heavier tadpoles showed lower concentrations — suggesting ingestion rates may shift as the animals grow.
—Ryan Brennan
may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
It was shot at the Agresti Calf Ranch in Ceres, near Modesto, which is certified by the American Humane Society for its ethical treatment of animals.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Stuffed animals were lined up on the sidewalk Monday to remember a 7-year-old boy who was hit and killed by a school bus in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
—Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Addressing Criticism of the Approach Some criticism has emerged over using live opossums as a way to locate pythons, but wildlife officials say the animals are not being placed in additional danger.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Of course, there’s a long list of different viruses out there that animals and humans can be susceptible.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 May 2026
The small fish, also known as remoras, are known for attaching themselves to larger marine animals — including whales and sharks — for protection, free transportation and food.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
On a January 2025 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson said that the antiparasitic drugs ivermectin and fenbendazole, which are both commonly used to treat worms in animals, had made his friends’ cancer disappear.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
The study also found that tadpoles in the pre-metamorphic stage had higher microplastic contamination than those closer to becoming frogs, and that heavier tadpoles showed lower concentrations — suggesting ingestion rates may shift as the animals grow.
—Ryan Brennan
may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
It was shot at the Agresti Calf Ranch in Ceres, near Modesto, which is certified by the American Humane Society for its ethical treatment of animals.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Stuffed animals were lined up on the sidewalk Monday to remember a 7-year-old boy who was hit and killed by a school bus in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
—Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Addressing Criticism of the Approach Some criticism has emerged over using live opossums as a way to locate pythons, but wildlife officials say the animals are not being placed in additional danger.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Of course, there’s a long list of different viruses out there that animals and humans can be susceptible.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animals
Noun
-
For all of these creatures, the coast’s patchwork of barrier islands, beaches, sandbars, salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries are vitally important for survival.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
16 May 2026
-
The slick creatures, with their blunt heads and whiskers, are sometimes easy to spot in the water, but the restaurants that have perfected eating them are a bit harder to find.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Countless cultures have imprinted their own cultural beliefs in the constellations, seeing mighty heroes, fantastic beasts and eclectic objects in the stars.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
-
Get ready for the appearance of some real beasts blessed with amazing powers.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Animals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animals. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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