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
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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
It's been a violent weekend in Chicago so far this weekend.
—
Asal Rezaei,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Although Chicago Police Department data show a slight increase in shooting incidents compared with the first half of last year, violent crime rates have generally dropped in the city over the last few years, in parallel with national trends.
—
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Yet such an approach carries the risk of more violent swings in stock and bond prices, analysts say, and ultimately could lead to higher interest rates for consumers and businesses.
—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Friday’s shooting came amid a wave of recent violent incidents as Kansas City plays host to World Cup matches.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Asal Rezaei,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Although Chicago Police Department data show a slight increase in shooting incidents compared with the first half of last year, violent crime rates have generally dropped in the city over the last few years, in parallel with national trends.
—
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Yet such an approach carries the risk of more violent swings in stock and bond prices, analysts say, and ultimately could lead to higher interest rates for consumers and businesses.
—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Friday’s shooting came amid a wave of recent violent incidents as Kansas City plays host to World Cup matches.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
Adjective
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So playing characters who were so ferocious and bold and confident and determined and all that helped me profoundly in my personal life.
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Your ferocious work ethic and absolutely unshakable moral fiber.
Adjective
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Katherine Guaramaco described the experience as one of the most intense of her life.
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The president highlighted the military operation in Iran that has proven deeply unpopular, and an immigration agenda that has provoked intense backlash.
Adjective
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Here’s a recap of this week’s frantic pace.
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McKenna's death gained national attention after her disappearance in the middle of the night set off a frantic search for the teenager.
Adjective
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Grey-zone tactics refer to a range of aggressive tactics that vary from navy ship patrols to drone flights, but fall short of direct combat.
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That will be decided in the coming hours, as the Heat remains in aggressive pursuit of a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Adjective
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For SpaceX, the road was highly turbulent before the fourth Falcon 1 launch successfully reached orbit.
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Stocks closed out a turbulent week on a positive note, but a couple of winning names could soon see a decline.
Adjective
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There’s nothing like an invasive hours-long aesthetic procedure with anesthesia to justify intensive pampering.
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Governments and energy-intensive firms will look at electrification with newfound interest.
Adjective
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Sam Sanders grew up in anger; his father, an alcoholic, would come home from work furious, Matt says, beating Sam with his belt.
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Seminole commissioners are furious that Lynx wants to hike costs for its mass transit service — even after the county ditched most of its bus routes last January due to a lack of riders.
Adjective
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Pruning can encourage vigorous growth and larger flowers or control the shrub’s shape and size.
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The options reflect a vigorous debate about whether the company can live up to the initial enthusiasm.
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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