violent

adjective

ˈvī-ə-lənt How to pronounce violent (audio)
Definition of violentnext
1
as in ferocious
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity a violent explosion that left several buildings seriously damaged

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2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a violent thunderstorm

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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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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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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 ultra-violent mayhem simply doesn’t fit well with such comic touches as Hank continuing to carry the parakeet in the birdcage around even while being chased by the bad guys and Ben experiencing a panic attack at an inopportune moment. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Data from the organization also showed that nearly 350 people have been injured in similar violent attacks. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 In July, Shrey Gupta, a software engineer from Ahmedabad city, created a website to compile videos of Delhi police's violent crackdown on protestors. — Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 State police also transported immigrants who had no history of violent convictions, according to previous Statesman reporting. — Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
  1. ferocious
  2. intense
  3. frantic
  4. aggressive
  5. turbulent
  6. intensive
  7. furious
  8. vigorous
Adjective
  • That was the last time Tamang saw Yangri, who was whisked away by ferocious flash floods that ripped through this part of the Himalayan nation earlier this week.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The run game of Agoura is ferocious and experienced, but Westlake’s QB play is better.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • Motion Applied brings experience from motorsport, where power electronics face rapid load changes and intense operating conditions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • As if this weren’t enough for one day, Venus will also make its debut in the secretive and smoldering sign of Scorpio, where the love planet trades light-hearted flirtation for something deeper and way more intense.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • This theory isn’t landing in Washington, where the frantic and ideologically charged discourse portrays the adrift Democrats as led around by their left wing.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Many more were imperiled by muddy water racing through the narrow ravines, sparking frantic rescue missions for dozens.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of frantic
Adjective
  • The aggressive action will be closely watched by other states and school systems.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Tour participants described an aggressive interrogation by an Israeli border agent.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Prototype points toward larger trials To demonstrate the design, the researchers produced a marine buoy that remained stable in a turbulent seawater tank rotated up to 45 degrees.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The report from the Government Accountability Office found delays and holes in how the Secret Service updates its policies regarding threats, and arrives after a few turbulent years for the agency charged with the president’s protection.
    — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Saylor Hayes, 5, who was the subject of an intensive search involving hundreds of people and multiple agencies, was found in South Carolina on Sunday.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities point to the Golden State’s intensive regulatory environment as a factor.
    — Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • The Lindsay Clancy trial has captivated the nation, spurring furious online debate on the state of maternal healthcare and whether she should be held criminally responsible for killing her three children.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Simply put, the SEC is furious that LSU has challenged the conference’s attempts to enforce its eligibility rules for athletes returning from professional sports.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of furious
Adjective
  • Paramasivam’s death has fueled a vigorous protest campaign by the Commercial and Industrial Workers Union, Asia Floor Wage Alliance, Global Labor Justice and other groups.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Puppies should not engage in vigorous tug-of-war games because too much tugging can create jaw or bite problems.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of vigorous

Browse Nearby Words

violence
violent
violently
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Cite this Entry

“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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