1
as in to down
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
a champion boxer who was shockingly felled in the first round
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to mow
to bring down by cutting
the settlers began the daunting task of felling the mighty trees that blanketed the island
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
the quest for a cure for malaria, the disease that felled so many during the digging of the Panama Canal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
planning for the distribution of resources in case of some fell event
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in savage
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
a once-mighty nation conquered by a fell and barbarous enemy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fell
Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Yes, many a journalist has been felled by such things too, right?
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Big Think, 28 Nov. 2025
Additionally, stores like Saatva include free white-glove delivery to set up the mattress in your home and remove an old mattress in one fell swoop.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fell
Verb
The greatest damage appeared concentrated in the North Bay, where gusty winds felled numerous trees.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Yes, many a journalist has been felled by such things too, right?
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Nuclear fusion, a scientific endeavor that would, if it were achieved in a scalable, widely-deployable fashion, solve the energy and climate crises in one fell swoop, receives less funding, annually, than peanut subsidies do in the United States.
—Big Think, 28 Nov. 2025
Additionally, stores like Saatva include free white-glove delivery to set up the mattress in your home and remove an old mattress in one fell swoop.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell
Verb
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The head of the second train took the brunt of the impact, knocking its first two carriages off the track and sending them plummeting downing a steep slope.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
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This kind of ice accumulation from Texas to the Carolinas could cause widespread power outages and downed trees.—
Kyle David,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ross has mowed through Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles (interim), Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell (interim), Adam Gase, Brian Flores and now McDaniel.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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Backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford whiffed blocking the Patriots' first run, but otherwise mowed defenders down as a fullback and moving tight end.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Autopsy rules Good's death a homicide More than two weeks after she was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent in Minnesota, the Hennepin County medical examiner's office ruled the death of Renee Good a homicide.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
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With at least 12 people killed, tit is the deadliest in Los Angeles’ history and the third-most destructive ever for the state.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Their lethal press was once again on display Tuesday as the visiting Cavers earned a critical 49-35 Eastern League win over Patrick Henry.—
Breven Honda,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
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Demonstrations have persisted despite mass arrests, lethal force and internet shutdowns.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Sons of Anarchy was praised for its stellar writing, operatic plotting, and cast of actors who breathed vivid life into their characters, giving even the most savage moments a dose of humanity.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Jan. 2026
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This league is a savage league.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped six of their past 10 games and criticism of the team ramped up Thursday after the Los Angeles Clippers knocked off their crosstown rival.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Coal will drop from 17% to 15%.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But the Red Sox destroyed and ended their relationship with their only true power hitter and proven winner for a player who, though an undeniably excellent addition, was here for 117 total games.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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In the Pacific Palisades and nearby Malibu, flames burned for 31 days, scorching 37 square miles and destroying more than 6,000 structures, most of them homes.—
Sarah Alegre,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Burbank Police Department also shared a security camera video from the deadly shootout.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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