Synonyms of violent

violent

adjective

ˈvī-ə-lənt 

1

as in ferocious

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity

a violent explosion that left several buildings seriously damaged

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ferocious
• turbulent
• fierce
• furious
• vicious
• volcanic
• rabid
• rough
• explosive
• brutal
• hot
• convulsive
• tumultuous
• aggressive
• cyclonic
• paroxysmal
• tempestuous
• stormy
• savage
• volatile
• hostile
• blood-and-guts
• destructive
• bang-bang
• contentious
• barbarous
• knock-down, drag-out
• hammer-and-tongs
• antagonistic
• belligerent
• frantic
• combative
• mad
• bellicose
• pugnacious
• quarrelsome
• truculent
• combustible
• agitated
• assertive
• gladiatorial
• frenzied
• ruinous
• cataclysmal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peaceful
• nonviolent
• peaceable
• calm
• serene
• tranquil
• pacific
• halcyon
• unaggressive
• nonbelligerent

2

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect

a violent thunderstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intense
• intensive
• fierce
• ferocious
• terrible
• deep
• furious
• heavy
• vicious
• explosive
• profound
• acute
• fearful
• dreadful
• vehement
• frightful
• ghastly
• fearsome
• blistering
• excruciating
• exquisite
• heavy-duty
• hard
• keen
• intensified
• harsh
• hellacious
• aggravated
• almighty
• severe
• concentrated
• heightened
• enhanced
• stressed
• magnified
• exhaustive
• thorough
• accentuated
• rigorous
• deepened
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moderate
• light
• soft
• weak
• feeble
• superficial
• shallow
• qualified
• decreased
• moderated
• subdued
• toned (down)
• eased
• reduced
• diminished
• lightened
• abated
• lessened
• alleviated

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frantic
• furious
• intense
• fierce
• mad
• intensive
• ferocious
• frenetic
• frenzied
• delirious
• feverish
• rabid
• wild
• excessive
• extreme
• vehement
• concentrated
• irrational
• immoderate
• undue
• demented
• inordinate
• extravagant
• exorbitant
• maniacal
• crazed
• unconscionable
• deranged
• high-pressured
• insane
• lavish
• crazy
• overweening
• overmuch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peaceful
• calm
• quiet
• moderate
• undisturbed
• reasonable
• serene
• tranquil
• placid
• subdued
• temperate
• relaxed
• casual
• sound
• unperturbed
• untroubled
• balanced
• sane
• low-pressure
• easygoing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aggressive
• vigorous
• emphatic
• dynamic
• forceful
• energetic
• vehement
• strenuous
• assertive
• insistent
• muscular
• compelling
• clear
• striking
• marked
• pointed
• resounding
• full-blooded
• decided
• noticeable
• conspicuous
• plain
• categorical
• absolute
• unequivocal
• unambiguous
• arresting
• impelling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• weak
• unemphatic
• nonassertive
• ambiguous
• guarded
• hesitant
• equivocal
• nonemphatic
• uncompelling
• wishy-washy
• understated
• halting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of violent

The email purported to come from the leader of an otherwise unknown group and contained particularly violent threats. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Dotson said violent videos like these cause needless suffering for the animals and serious psychological harm to people who watch them. — Cbs Minnesota, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

The country has also been rocked by weeks of mass protests over the soaring cost of living and conditions in schools which escalated into violent riots. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026

Beyond the data and narratives, there is care and concern for both the victims of violent crime and the overpoliced that shines through. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Nov. 2026