savageness

noun

Definition of savagenessnext
as in cruelty
disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others the unthinkable savageness that must be required to torture a prisoner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 savageness Government should tame the savageness of man and make life in this world more gentle, not crueler. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savageness
  1. cruelty
  2. brutality
Noun
  • The man turned himself in and was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering, and misdemeanor cruelty to animals, according to court documents.
    — Mark Price July 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • In cases of cruelty and mistreatment, they can be considered victims and not things, which radically changes the way the future of animals is defined.
    — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Definition of cruelty
Noun
  • Mishiali’s filmmaking does not overemphasize the brutality of this situation.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Not a particularly easy watch, to say the least, the complexly plotted film leans into the madness, and intense brutality experienced by the characters.
    — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
Definition of brutality

Browse Nearby Words

savagely
savageness
savagery
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Cite this Entry

“Savageness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savageness. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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