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

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