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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Fires ravaged the ballpark’s left-field bleachers in May 1926, and a tornado’s ferocious winds tore through additional sections of seats that July, and ownership could not afford to renovate.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
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Noisy, ebullient, ferocious and free, Dance!—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Russia had vowed more intense attacks and warned foreign diplomats to abandon Kyiv.—
Elmira Aliieva,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
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That funding faced intense scrutiny from a handful of Republicans, prompting senators to abandon it.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
3 June 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, in turn, catalyzed the most aggressive Fed rate-hiking cycle ever and a bear market.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
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Carolina’s penalty kill is extremely aggressive all over the ice.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies have spent the last several weeks playing like a club determined to erase the disappointment of a turbulent first half.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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As the investigation progresses in this four-part docuseries, Stephen reveals the turbulent family dynamics that shaped his childhood, including his father Ron — a violent Vietnam War vet grappling with PTSD — and his mother, Margie, who divorced Ron in the '90s.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 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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Clover is a vigorous plant that crowds out weeds, thereby reducing the need for weed control.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
6 June 2026
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In the luteal phase, progesterone is considered catabolic and may impair muscle contractions during vigorous activity.—
Allison Palmer
June 4,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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