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

In The Bacchae, Dionysus becomes violent only because his existence has been denied and his followers persecuted, and his maenads similarly become destructive only when pursued. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2026

Jeon-Gi, known as J-G, is a relatively happy 10-year-old in 1976, until a neighbor’s attack on him fuels his own violent ideas. — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

The ensemble eking out hope in the Terrordome includes Angela McBride (Suzette Llewellyn), a mother of two who goes on a violent rampage of justice-seeking after a gut-wrenching loss. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 July 2026

In those circles, producing shocking or violent content can bring attention, admiration and status. — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 30 July 2026