Thesaurus

barbarous

Q: How is the word 'barbarous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of barbarous are cruel , ferocious , fierce , and savage . While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people. // barbarous treatment of prisoners

Q: When might 'cruel' be a better fit than 'barbarous'?

The words cruel and barbarous can be used in similar contexts, but cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. // the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Q: When is 'ferocious' a more appropriate choice than 'barbarous'?

In some situations, the words ferocious and barbarous are roughly equivalent. However, ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality. // a ferocious dog

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fierce' instead of 'barbarous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to barbarous , fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack. // fierce warriors

Q: When can 'savage' be used instead of 'barbarous'?

The words savage and barbarous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion. // a savage criminal

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Synonyms & Antonyms of barbarous

1 having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others

a monarch resorting to whatever barbarous means he deemed necessary to protect his throne

Synonyms for barbarous

Words Related to barbarous

Phrases Synonymous with barbarous

red in tooth and claw

Near Antonyms for barbarous

Antonyms for barbarous

2 not civilized

an aunt who abhors barbarous behavior such as eating with your fingers

Synonyms for barbarous

Words Related to barbarous

Near Antonyms for barbarous

semicivilized

Antonyms for barbarous

civilized

Frequently Asked Questions About barbarous

How is the word barbarous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of barbarous are cruel, ferocious, fierce, and savage. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When might cruel be a better fit than barbarous?

The words cruel and barbarous can be used in similar contexts, but cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

When is ferocious a more appropriate choice than barbarous?

In some situations, the words ferocious and barbarous are roughly equivalent. However, ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When is it sensible to use fierce instead of barbarous?

While in some cases nearly identical to barbarous, fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

When can savage be used instead of barbarous?

The words savage and barbarous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal