1
as in brutality
the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property
an act of violence caused the window to be shattered
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
taken aback by the violence of her denial of any wrongdoing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in emotion
depth of feeling
some people were taken aback by the violence with which the magazine's art critic attacked the exhibition
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of violence
Other pockets of violence, including a deadly shooting, and arrests were also reported throughout the country.
—
Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
This colony has seen more than its fair share of violence, accidental deaths, and even manslaughter, but a killing in cold blood during an otherwise pretty steady time is a whole other ball of wax.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
In Cambodia, political violence and mangrove destruction went hand in hand, Khiev says.
—Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Churches, nonprofits and policy advocates highlighted violence against Christians abroad through media campaigns, prayer initiatives and political lobbying, presenting it as a global crisis requiring American attention.
—Candace Lukasik, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for violence
Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
This colony has seen more than its fair share of violence, accidental deaths, and even manslaughter, but a killing in cold blood during an otherwise pretty steady time is a whole other ball of wax.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
In Cambodia, political violence and mangrove destruction went hand in hand, Khiev says.
—Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Churches, nonprofits and policy advocates highlighted violence against Christians abroad through media campaigns, prayer initiatives and political lobbying, presenting it as a global crisis requiring American attention.
—Candace Lukasik, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for violence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violence
Noun
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During the May 2020 George Floyd demonstration, protesters in downtown Los Angeles briefly shut down portions of the 101 Freeway after entering near Alameda Street, temporarily halting traffic to draw attention to the killing of Floyd and broader concerns about police brutality.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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Mihankhah spent roughly 15 years trying to raise awareness about the brutalities of the Iranian government.—
Alexandria Burris,
IndyStar,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Several hundred meters away, at the Cheonggyecheon stream, levels still hovered between 70 and 80 decibels—the intensity of a busy street or a vacuum cleaner.—
Yook JiHun,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
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Redick shouted out Bronny James for his efforts against Indiana after the game, lauding his defensive intensity – often being switched onto Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, and holding his own – along with a late mid-range jumper that quelled concerns of a once-improbable Indiana comeback.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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An assembly of planets in Aries moves through your twelfth house, stirring emotions behind the scenes and asking for careful tending.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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At Gardner Elementary, one of the schools set to close, students and parents described a day filled with uncertainty and emotion.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Authorities are working to identify the owner of a dog that entered a Midlothian home and attacked a 1‑year‑old child and an adult, leaving them bloodied and the child hospitalized with severe injuries.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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But the real loss is the latest injury.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales is known for his enthusiasm and optimism.—
Mike Kaye
April 1,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the previous delays for Artemis II, enthusiasm remains high.—
Christiana Freitag,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At present, as America's military aggression and assault continue with full force, all our efforts and resources are devoted to defending Iran's very existence.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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After investigating the shooting, Boston Police detectives were able to obtain a warrant for the suspect out of Suffolk County Juvenile Court for several gun charges and armed assault to murder.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Colorado’s aggressiveness with trading away draft picks and prospects to help the NHL club’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup has often left the organization’s pipeline thin, but also provides opportunities for undrafted players like Logan O’Connor and Sam Malinski to earn chances and thrive.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Frost have played well with aggressiveness and their speed on the ice all season.—
Theodore Tollefson,
Twin Cities,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The most violent and thuggish regime on earth would be free to carry out their campaigns of terror, coercion, conquest, and mass murder from behind a nuclear shield.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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By 1944, when much of the city lay in ruins, the terror spread.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violence. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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