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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of violent
The president sent National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles to quell sometimes violent demonstrations regarding the detainment of dozens.
—
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 June 2025
Toward the end of his career, his music became a little bit more macho and a little bit more violent.
—Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Johnny has a troubling violent streak that lands him in a serious legal dispute, which ties into the Sinclair sisters’ inheritance games and Carrie’s relationship with her longtime partner and Gat’s uncle, Ed (Rahul Kohli).
—Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025
Their blood is on his hands, and every single Republican in Congress that fails to loudly decry his incessant violent rhetoric is complicit.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for violent
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 June 2025
Toward the end of his career, his music became a little bit more macho and a little bit more violent.
—Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Johnny has a troubling violent streak that lands him in a serious legal dispute, which ties into the Sinclair sisters’ inheritance games and Carrie’s relationship with her longtime partner and Gat’s uncle, Ed (Rahul Kohli).
—Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025
Their blood is on his hands, and every single Republican in Congress that fails to loudly decry his incessant violent rhetoric is complicit.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
Adjective
-
The Manchester City striker is one of the global game’s most ferocious and intelligent goalscorers.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Now, she’s added another competitive event to her list of favorites: F1, or Formula 1, largely considered the world's most ferocious and high-tech form of auto racing.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
There were times when the twin drama got too intense.—
Maris Kreizman,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
-
Drilling defense: Every day at practice, the Broncos execute intense, one-on-one, full-court defensive slide drills.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
And when Paul manages to elude his overseers and explore the surrounding area — spurring a frantic search, the menacing tenor of which raises Lise’s hackles — the movie effectively becomes a prison drama, with the trio’s eventual interviewee depicted as a shadowy warden who can decide their fate.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
-
When Nemo strays away from his reef and gets lost in the big open ocean, his frantic father teams up with the ever-forgetful Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) to find him.—
Meg Walters,
EW.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The tree has aggressive roots that can upend lawn turf and crack pavement.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
-
But the company’s aggressive marketing triggered backlash.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
-
Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Oftentimes, enrolling in an intensive language program qualifies someone for a student visa, depending on the requirements of that country (more on that later).—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
27 June 2025
-
Designed to withstand intensive training, Lacoste’s abrasion-resistant piqué fabric is made with Ultra Dry moisture-wicking technology for more breathable wear.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
But the Thunder weathered the Pacers’ furious comeback bid on Monday, with Jalen Williams scoring 11 of his game-high 40 points in the fourth.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
-
More: 'Unhinged': Democrats are furious Sen. Alex Padilla was hauled out of Noem briefing Noem’s agency oversees Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, which had been carrying out raids in Los Angeles.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
This vine, while beautiful, is a vigorous grower that spreads by self-seeding, layering, and runners.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
-
No better example of this can be found than in the absence of debate in the contemporary U.S. about the treatment of the Palestinians by the Israelis, whatever outcome such vigorous discussion might produce.—
James L. Gibson,
The Conversation,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share