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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of violent
By season's end, Pine and his boss, Angela Burr (Colman), succeeded in bringing Roper down, with the finale suggesting Roper's violent end at the hands of his own buyers.
—
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
Thirty-one state inmates were killed in California in 2025, the most violent of the last five years.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
What is troubling is the rhetoric from some Democratic officials and commentators appearing to excuse violent conduct directed at ICE personnel.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The president had previously discussed the possibility of sending Guard troops to Chicago to address violent crime, despite double-digit percentage drops in gun violence in the city over the last several years.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
Thirty-one state inmates were killed in California in 2025, the most violent of the last five years.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
What is troubling is the rhetoric from some Democratic officials and commentators appearing to excuse violent conduct directed at ICE personnel.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The president had previously discussed the possibility of sending Guard troops to Chicago to address violent crime, despite double-digit percentage drops in gun violence in the city over the last several years.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
Adjective
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Protecting Rodgers against the Texans’ ferocious pass rush represents a tall task, though.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
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Aside from being a general nuisance with their ferocious snores, pungent odors and growls, bears can do serious damage to a home.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Fan Kelly Terzis described her feelings as intense sadness and grief, but also gratitude.—
Amanda Hari,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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The study made a significant contribution, if not clarification, to this academic niche — medieval migration wasn’t seasonal, nor sporadic and intense.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Marissa’s frantic initial attempts to find him and figure out what happened create a suspenseful, frightening opening.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Nov. 2025
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As the family's frantic search begins, the media is quick to point the finger at Marissa and her friend, Jenny Kaminski (Fanning), whose nanny, Carrie Finch (Sophia Lillis), becomes the prime suspect.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the kind of chance that last season, a more aggressive-looking Stolarz would have used his frame — and frankly, his big-game presence — to turn away with ease.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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The agency has also faced criticism for aggressive tactics used by ICE agents in executing the president’s immigration policy.—
Andy Rose 19 hr ago,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The story of the Platonic representation hypothesis paper began in early 2023, a turbulent time for AI researchers.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Between 2022 and 2023, a team from Arkeologerna conducted an intensive investigation in the southernmost area of the former city.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
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The orbiters are expected to linger in a holding pattern before heading for Mars next year when the red planet is better aligned for a less fuel-intensive journey.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Anaheim had a furious rally in the third, outshooting Washington 17-5.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
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For at that very moment, the barn door swung open, and snow swept up in a furious fashion.—
Lauren Ashley Bishop,
Variety,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Started from seed, this type of sedum is a vigorous grower, forming a tidy mound with strong, flop-free stems.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
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But a new study, published in Nature Communications in October, says vigorous activity is even more valuable than that.—
Greg Presto,
Outside,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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