violence

noun

ˈvī-lən(t)s How to pronounce violence (audio)
Definition of violencenext
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

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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

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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

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 violence Criminal gang violence continues unabated in Ecuador following the recapture in June 2025 of the country's biggest drug lord, Adolfo Macías after his escape from a maximum-security prison in 2024. — CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Several years on from that fateful attack, another shocking act of gun violence forces the estranged sisters back together at the insistence of their defense attorney father (Brendan Gleeson). — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026 Graphic videos of the shooting spread quickly online, sparking an outpouring of grief and shining a spotlight on the nation's increase in political violence. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Some of the best bits are when there is no violence at all, said Jo Lawson-Tancred on Artnet. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for violence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violence
  1. brutality
  2. intensity
  3. emotion
  4. injury
  5. aggressiveness
  6. enthusiasm
  7. assault
  8. warmth
Noun
  • However, only Atef Najib, Assad’s cousin, a security chief infamous for his brutality, is likely to face execution, the rest having been tried in absentia.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If Wayne, a fictional character, were a more solid creation, the movie could better explore the issue of whether answering racist brutality in kind is more effective than relying on an inadequate system.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of brutality
Noun
  • From increasing the intensity of wildfire seasons to worsening natural disasters, climate change is far from a distant future.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But as the leaves begin to change color, so does the intensity that comes with September baseball.
    — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • An advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down — often bringing a flood of new terms, decisions and emotions all at once.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 9 Sep. 2026
  • During a previous appearance on the Off the Vine podcast, Thurston revealed her complex emotions about not being able to carry a child after her breast cancer diagnosis.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of emotion
Noun
  • That's the reality of life without starting quarterback Sam Darnold, who was knocked out of this season-opening matchup with a right hip injury.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Prosecutors said the wounded officer’s bullet-proof vest and a flashlight worn on his vest protected him from serious injuries.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of injury
Noun
  • Badosa’s front-foot aggressiveness and ability to rush Gauff’s forehand have brought her wins in their past two meetings.
    — Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The salaries match, Strus is an expiring contract while Niko has four years left and the 3-point shooting and the aggressiveness of Max are way better than Niko’s.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • The convention -- part rally, part fundraiser -- comes as Republicans try to boost enthusiasm heading into the final stretch before Election Day.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The move was sure to spark criticism that the president was paying Americans to vote Republican as the party struggles to match Democrats’ enthusiasm and faces a challenging midterm outlook.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of enthusiasm
Noun
  • The driver of the pickup truck, 21-year-old Jesse David Lovato, has since been arrested and is facing charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the outlets.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The assault was a result of a confrontation with another group of fairgoers.
    — Frankie McLister, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring in ample light and overlook the backyard terrace’s heated pool, outdoor shower, and fireplace, while dimmable cove lighting furthers the warmth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Spices like ginger add warmth, pungency, and peppery sweetness to a variety of dishes.
    — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of warmth

Browse Nearby Words

violations
violence
violent
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Cite this Entry

“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violence. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on violence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about violence

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