as in brute
having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal
as the months of recurrent combat dragged on, the daily existence of the soldiers became increasingly brutish
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in brutality
the manifestation of the traits or the gratification of the appetites of a lower animal
a novel depicting the brutishness to which a group of schoolboys descend when they are stranded on a deserted island
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brutish
Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025
These institutions make our lives sweet, loving and creative, rather than nasty, brutish and short.
—David Brooks, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025
Her battle with the disease was nasty, brutish, and prolonged.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
The first 54 holes at Palmer’s brutish layout proved those off their game will be exposed.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutish
Adjective
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Xan then gives voice to the deep well of shame and self-hate that bubbles beneath his and his brother’s brutish veneer.
—Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025
These institutions make our lives sweet, loving and creative, rather than nasty, brutish and short.
—David Brooks, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025
Her battle with the disease was nasty, brutish, and prolonged.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
The first 54 holes at Palmer’s brutish layout proved those off their game will be exposed.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brutish
Adjective
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However, kindness possesses its own power, exerting a force more enduring than brute strength.—
Jennifer Boulanger,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2025
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Instead of overpowering her adversaries with brute strength, Eve is taught to get creative and utilize whatever is around her— including ice skates, pots and pans — as weapons to defend herself.—
Jan Wagner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2025
Noun
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Pellegrino does get into the brutality of the Japanese forces.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
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Yet, in the nearly two years since then, the brutality and intensity of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip have mobilized opposition around the world.—
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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The Royals lost to the Dodgers on Friday night, a brutal 5-4 loss as Jac Caglianone grounded into a double play to conclude the 11th straight home loss.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
28 June 2025
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The 28-year-old is playing on a medical exemption after a brutal stretch of injuries and illness.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brutish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brutish. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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