violent

adjective

ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce violent (audio)
Definition of violentnext
1
as in ferocious
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity a violent explosion that left several buildings seriously damaged

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2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a violent thunderstorm

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3
as in frantic
marked by great and often stressful excitement or activity our guest's imminent arrival provoked a violent effort to get the place cleaned up

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4
as in aggressive
marked by or uttered with forcefulness prone to violent denunciation of anyone who disagrees with her violent brushstrokes that were a trademark of the abstract artist

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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 violent Following an eight-count criminal indictment in July 2020 that covered multiple violent incidents between May 2019 and January 2020, Hickerson pleaded no contest in April 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Television networks had broadcast the unfolding hostage situation live, and the violent end captivated the American public. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 Lindsay was paralyzed after the violent incident and was arrested and charged with the murders shortly afterward. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Both prosecutors and defense attorneys are using a motion for a new trial hearing to expose the violent backgrounds of both Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf. — J.d. Miles, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
  1. ferocious
  2. intense
  3. frantic
  4. aggressive
  5. turbulent
  6. intensive
  7. furious
  8. vigorous
Adjective
  • After surviving a ferocious first half to trail only 13-12, the All Blacks' resolve hardened by new coach Dave Rennie and age-old ability to produce something from nothing turned a tense contest into a rout by five tries to South Africa's one.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • One track consists of her ferocious, transfixing, concept works, which plunge the gathered into the heart and soul of extreme historical and cultural experiences.
    — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • The retail offering was oversubscribed 5,500 times, underscoring intense investor demand for the profitable company, which shipped 5,500 humanoids in 2025.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • That points to the conclusion that the pain for Main Street is likely to remain intense for the foreseeable future, even as Wall Street continues to prosper.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • Another player, Sophie Cunningham, recently fueled a frantic debate about trans athletes in women’s sports.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the days immediately after the holiday, a frantic search for Nolan ensued, with authorities, friends and family deploying resources to find the missing teen.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of frantic
Adjective
  • Raman said the city has lost tens of thousands of film jobs under Bass and said Los Angeles needs a more aggressive film tax credit to compete with other states.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Philadelphia came out aggressive in the second half, took control of the game, and tied it in the 58th minute on a close-range header from Neil Pierre on a cross from Milan Iloski after a free kick.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Royal historian Amanda Foreman told PEOPLE in December 2025 that the turbulent few years made Kate and William more connected.
    — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Palace’s squad always had a spine which included strong personalities or those who knew the club and had experience to guide them through turbulent times and new starts.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • And, once selected, these leaders adhere to a strict code of conduct and undergo intensive training and certification requirements, all of which prize discipline and self-regulation.
    — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026
  • They were concerned rezoning the property would set off a reaction of more intensive zoning for the corridor.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • The failure by American and Canadian trade negotiators to reach a deal came after nearly two weeks of furious talks.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Zayn was interrupted by Randy Orton, who was then interrupted by a furious Cody Rhodes already in the ring.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of furious
Adjective
  • The entity has embarked on a vigorous program of experiences and other projects to introduce the legendary band to a new generation of fans.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There is a vigorous double jeopardy statute in New York state.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of vigorous

Browse Nearby Words

violence
violent
violently
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Cite this Entry

“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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