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 Pent-up emotions, regrets, and bestial longings all burst forth in an expansive baritone whose confident quietism distinguishes him from other wispier alt-centric brooders like Daniel Caesar. Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025 Pain was also inflicted on the dog deliberately during these bestial acts. Kc Baker, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 While her passion for her husband is tame, her screams for Dickinson’s character are bestial and overwhelming. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024 Pain was also inflicted on the dog deliberately during these bestial acts. Kc Baker, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bestial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestial
Adjective
  • While Ukraine and its Western backers haggle over how much more of Donbas Kyiv should surrender, the land Russia has already captured by brute force is barely mentioned at all.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Forget the outdated notion of leadership that powers through by brute force - the modern flex?
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • At the world’s southern edge, where nature is brutal and time stands still, hunters, herders and families endure the cold and solitude as ghosts roam the pampa.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Launch control is a wild ride, equal parts fun and brutal, as all that boost sends the V-6 screaming.
    Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And two cities — Orlando and Miami — were fighting like feral cats in a dark alley for an admission ticket to big-league basketball.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Kittens born to feral cats can be socialized if handled early, though Alley Cat Allies advises against attempting this with kittens over four months due to the time commitment and uncertain results.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bestial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestial. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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