animals

Definition of animalsnext
plural of animal
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 animals The agency is investigating, adding that the dead animals were found on private property. Michael Guise, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026 Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants or animals which, when introduced into aquatic environments and left unchecked, can cause significant harm to native wildlife species, water quality and recreational opportunities for boaters and anglers, according to DEEP. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026 Community contributions directly determine how many animals like Zoe the shelter can save. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026 The animals that once sat at the top of Taiwan’s food chain disappeared, and nothing has filled their ecological role since. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026 Thousands of Romans once flocked to this arena to watch gladiators battle each other and wild animals. ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026 The ranch is being sold as a fully turnkey operation, according to the property’s website, ready for new owners with furniture, equipment and game animals. Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animals
Noun
  • Most good people, who manage these trade-offs with compassion and skill, are creatures of fragile equilibria.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Deep sea expeditions regularly come across creatures that haven't been described by science.
    Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • All beasts are subject to sudden and violent extinction at the hands of other beasts.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Its contaminated followers were one step removed from the beasts of the field.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Animals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animals. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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