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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of violent
By Bay City News A San Francisco jury has convicted a 36-year-old man of robbery in connection with a violent attack and theft in SOMA last year, prosecutors said.
—
Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
After realizing that a mysterious, violent creature stalks the corridors, Clark manages to escape, but something about the Backrooms compels him.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 30 May 2026
So far there are no fresh signs after two nesting attempts, in 2008 and 2013, in northern lagoon fishing valleys suffered serious setbacks, including violent hail that killed dozens of birds.
—ABC News, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
After realizing that a mysterious, violent creature stalks the corridors, Clark manages to escape, but something about the Backrooms compels him.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 30 May 2026
So far there are no fresh signs after two nesting attempts, in 2008 and 2013, in northern lagoon fishing valleys suffered serious setbacks, including violent hail that killed dozens of birds.
—ABC News, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
Adjective
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Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion whose ferocious, hard-hitting style of play angered opponents and sometimes overshadowed his prodigious skills and ability to deliver in the biggest games, has died after taking his own life, according to authorities.—
Stephen Whyno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
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Despite the ferocious domestic rivalries, the Tartan Army is considered among the world’s friendliest football fans, known for singing and mingling instead of brawling (even if only while their national team is playing).—
Laura Dannen Redman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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But today’s wars of words seem designed to fuel intense polarization, not to change minds.—
Lisa Pavia-Higel,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
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Big tech giants including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have prioritized growing their chips business to rely less on AI chipmaker Nvidia, who reported a strong first quarter last week, even as competition is getting more intense from rivals including Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom.—
John Kell,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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The mother of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro — who claimed her son had been kidnapped, kicking off a frantic search in the Inland Empire — now faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to charges related to her role in the infant’s disappearance and death.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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While unfortunate, the frantic opening minutes of the second half highlighted a continuing issue for Miller.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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That process can miss aggressive lesions in their earliest stages or lead to unnecessary procedures for harmless spots.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
25 May 2026
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Expect Polish, Italian, Brazilian, and Filipino legislators to lean on Magnifica Humanitas as cover for AI labor-protection legislation that looked aggressive a week ago.—
Gabriel Alin Zainescu,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Adjective
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Mourinho’s three-year reign was a turbulent era, played out along toxic battle-lines against one of the greatest sides in football history in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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The controversy offered a preview of what could be a turbulent Senate race in Kansas.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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For Paul, dragging long sheets of metal was intensive.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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Distillation is a process in which a small, less resource-intensive model learns to mimic a large, expensive one.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Before the playoff the pair had to fight off a furious charge from last year’s winner, Ben Griffin, who started the day off in 19th place but had the final day’s best round at 5-under 65.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
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The 24-year-old infielder launched a two-run home run off the Orioles’ Trevor Rogers in the seventh inning of the Blue Jays’ furious come-from-behind 6-5 win in Baltimore.—
Jon Becker,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.—
Ezekiel J. Emanuel,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
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Heavy pruning may cause the plant to produce excessive new, vigorous branches.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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