beastly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbēst-lē How to pronounce beastly (audio)
Definition of beastlynext
as in brute
having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal left to shift for himself on an isolated farm, he gradually sank into a beastly, purposeless existence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

beastly

2 of 2

adverb

as in extremely
to a great degree it's beastly hot today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 beastly
Adjective
Three of this beastly bunch were checked off during our six spectacular hours in Tsavo. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026 An American Werewolf in London' (1981) American dudes backpacking in England get attacked by a werewolf, one of them becomes a beastly nuisance on the full moon, and things get bloody freaky in old London Town. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
Logan is super skilled, beastly strong. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026 In this tale as old as time, local bookworm Belle (Paige O'Hara) travels to a faraway castle where her father is being held captive by a prince–turned–beastly creature. — James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beastly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beastly
  1. brute
  2. extremely
  3. brutal
  4. very
  5. feral
  6. terribly
  7. incredibly
  8. damn
Adjective
  • In academics cryptographic algorithms are considered broken when weaknesses allow an adversary to derive a key faster than is possible using a brute-force attack.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026
  • Both players thrive with attacking the basket with their brute strength and methodical patience.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of brute
Adverb
  • The wildfires broke out over the weekend across the Spokane area, fueled by very strong winds combined with extremely dry conditions.
    — Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, experts say that legal decision was extremely narrow, with some arguing it was likely misinterpreted by migrants and traffickers.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of extremely
Adjective
  • And, as the Punisher, Frank is known to enact particularly brutal, bloody vengeance.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • After opening the season on the big-league roster and then suffering a demotion after a brutal debut, Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter could be poised to make a stunning return to the mound against the Orioles.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of brutal
Adverb
  • But, at the heart of it is what appears to be a very ugly feud between two public servants.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The truth is my friend has some very unsavory traits that make people want to tell him no.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of very
Adjective
  • An all but feral man (Vinicius Neri) takes a shot to the head and can’t remember much, not even his name.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • London’s Buck remembers his sunny California origins, though the memories fade as feral instinct takes over.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of feral
Adverb
  • Unfortunately, decisions aren’t terribly effective today and according to Gartner 72% of executives say that bad decisions are as prevalent as good ones.
    — Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Given that humans at OpenAI had decided to turn off some safeguards for the test, some have argued the outcome should not have been terribly surprising.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of terribly
Adverb
  • Not being able to interact with computers, smartphones, and other smart devices is incredibly limiting, yet many existing assistive devices are reportedly awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult to use for long periods.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Pair them with the Corn Boats so your cob doesn't roll away; the incredibly handy Corn Stripper, which removes kernels from the cob in one smooth, easy motion; and the Corn Brush, which removes stubborn corn silk easily.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of incredibly
Adverb
  • The reason the rent is too damn high is because Wall Street is counting on it.
    — Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026
  • Hodad’s is a third-generation small business, a San Diego treasure that makes a damn good burger.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of damn

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Cite this Entry

“Beastly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beastly. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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