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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
a violent thunderstorm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of violent
In recent years, a litany of violent, seemingly unprovoked attacks across Metro led to the deaths or severe injury of several passengers—a confirmation of Angelenos’ worst fears about the system.
—
Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Faith and a little bit of luck left one teenager thankful after a violent crash earlier this week caused her car to split in half.
—Terell Bailey, CBS News, 9 May 2026
The data show violent crime rising for years under his leadership and being solved at lower rates than in surrounding counties.
—Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Their connection deepens, but the violent world that controls them both starts to close in.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Faith and a little bit of luck left one teenager thankful after a violent crash earlier this week caused her car to split in half.
—Terell Bailey, CBS News, 9 May 2026
The data show violent crime rising for years under his leadership and being solved at lower rates than in surrounding counties.
—Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Their connection deepens, but the violent world that controls them both starts to close in.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
Adjective
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The old saying that film does not lie is true here in the opening episode, as viewers get a glimpse at Williams’ basketball skills as a shooter and leaping ability as a ferocious dunker.—
Joe Davidson
May 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
-
In July 2023, daredevil physicists outfitted a high-altitude NASA plane with gamma-ray detectors and flew it straight over the core of some of the most ferocious storms on the planet — tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Later, the Moon squares Mars in Aries, which can make the moment feel more intense.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 May 2026
-
Keep in mind that Pluto retrogrades happen every year for approximately half the year, but this particular cycle will be especially raw and intense, both at a personal and global level.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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There was no explosion, no frantic hissing, or toxic plume.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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Bahm’s somewhat-frantic conversation with the dispatcher abruptly turned into bloodcurdling screams.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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The Boston Red Sox could be aggressive, and have the prospects to swing a deal.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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In 1981, reggae artist Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital at age 36 after battling an aggressive skin cancer.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Overall, it's been a turbulent year for cyber stocks.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
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The sudden retirement comes after a turbulent year for the division in which the program’s full-time employees were laid off.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but intensive ICU care — including ECMO, which oxygenates blood outside the body — can help patients in severe respiratory distress.—
Eva Flowe
May 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
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The biggest increases will be to inexpensive, perishable goods such as potatoes and onions, as well as fertilizer-intensive goods such as tomatoes.—
Wes Zebrowski,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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The milestone came during Indiana’s season opener against the Dallas Wings on Saturday — a game the Fever ultimately dropped, 107-104, despite a furious offensive performance from both teams.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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And the opponent’s goals came fast and furious in the opening 45 minutes plus stoppage time — especially during the first 26.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
Adjective
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Tom Curtis, president of rival Burger King, posted his own video taking a vigorous bite of his chain’s new Whopper.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Google notes that the heart rate monitor isn’t as advanced as the one in the latest Pixel Watches, so the Air might not be as accurate during vigorous activity.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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