Definition of bestialnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bestial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bestial are brutal, brutish, and feral. While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts.

bestial depravity

In what contexts can brutal take the place of bestial?

The words brutal and bestial can be used in similar contexts, but brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity.

a senseless and brutal war

When is it sensible to use brutish instead of bestial?

While the synonyms brutish and bestial are close in meaning, brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct.

brutish stupidity

When can feral be used instead of bestial?

While in some cases nearly identical to bestial, feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals.

the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

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 bestial Some deep bestial neurological structures fired inappropriately and stoked within her an instinct of brute survival. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026 Channels the inner, bestial urges to release an unworldly howl that pushes back any nearby enemies. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 His nemesis in this series was a bestial Wakandan in a gorilla suit called Man-Ape. Ekow Eshun july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025 Despite bestial brutality and life-limiting economic and social injustices made legal—some existing still—our foreparents clung fiercely to their humanity and envisioned ours. Essence, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bestial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestial
Adjective
  • Unlike modern fighters that balance agility, stealth, and sensor fusion, the MiG-25 was engineered around brute force.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026
  • Similarly, history’s greatest leaders understand the absolute limits of brute force.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The New York Mets are in disarray thanks to a brutal start to what was supposed to be a promising season.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • In 1972, a year after a brutal conflict—one in which India helped with the rebirth of the eastern wing of Pakistan as Bangladesh—New Delhi and Islamabad concluded an agreement that resumed limited trade.
    Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life.
    Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Almost immediately, her half-feral dragon attacks Moondancer.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • In Buc-ee's complaint, the chain argues that the animalistic logo is too similar to its own – a toothy beaver wearing a red ballcap inside a bright yellow circle.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • The song’s almost animalistic sensuality is miles away from the safe choices Skye has made—or been asked to make—until now.
    Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bestial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestial. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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