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
Jamie Bell has his best chance at major award hardware since his Billy Elliot days as the protagonist of Richard Gadd’s violent examination of masculinity in Half Man.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
That’s Joel Schumacher’s 1993 revenge thriller about a fed-up white Angeleno who embarks on a violent odyssey across an alienating urban hellscape to reunite with his daughter.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2026
In the earlier installment, Scott played Jacques, a servant who helps summon a demon before meeting a violent end.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 2 May 2026
In first half stoppage time, Maiara Niehues received a direct red card for violent conduct towards Lacasse.
—ABC News, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
That’s Joel Schumacher’s 1993 revenge thriller about a fed-up white Angeleno who embarks on a violent odyssey across an alienating urban hellscape to reunite with his daughter.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2026
In the earlier installment, Scott played Jacques, a servant who helps summon a demon before meeting a violent end.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 2 May 2026
In first half stoppage time, Maiara Niehues received a direct red card for violent conduct towards Lacasse.
—ABC News, 2 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
-
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
-
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
-
Buxton knows the plan — a fighting retreat that saves ownership money but still gives the team the chance to regroup and compete for a division title with strong starting pitching and an aggressive, small-ball approach from a young, athletic lineup.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
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Iran signaled an aggressive response to this latest bid to break its stranglehold over the strait, which has left global shipping at an effective standstill and sent energy prices spiraling.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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From the transformative power of novels to raising a Black son in a turbulent era, Ward offers a deeply moving testament to resilience, storytelling, and the enduring beauty of life.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
-
Much like the rest of what’s already been a turbulent season, Orlando has made this playoff series as difficult as possible.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 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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Thomas Paine, released from prison and woven back into French society, wrote a long, furious letter to George Washington.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The Toronto Blue Jays erased a one-run deficit with a furious eighth inning against the Twins’ bullpen on Saturday, scoring eight earned runs before recording an out to rally for an 11-4 victory at Target Field.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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After a brief interlude of distracted play, the game got vigorous and testy.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
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Compact determinate tomato varieties, such as ‘Patio’, require much less space than a vigorous indeterminate grape tomato, such as ‘Valentine’.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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