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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of violent
Insist that the federal government deploy those resources to get the violent offenders who are killing, assaulting and robbing law-abiding citizens on the city’s South and West sides.
—
Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Time and space collide in parallel lives spanning 700 years when author Nick Tosches (from whose novel the film is adapted) is drawn into a violent quest to confirm the origins of a manuscript believed to be Dante’s The Divine Comedy written in the poet’s own hand.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Before the holiday surge, city leaders had been pointing to a broader drop in violent crime in 2025.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
The Venezuelan government’s violent response to subsequent protests led Western powers like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to issue stringent sanctions that remain in place.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for violent
Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Time and space collide in parallel lives spanning 700 years when author Nick Tosches (from whose novel the film is adapted) is drawn into a violent quest to confirm the origins of a manuscript believed to be Dante’s The Divine Comedy written in the poet’s own hand.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Before the holiday surge, city leaders had been pointing to a broader drop in violent crime in 2025.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
The Venezuelan government’s violent response to subsequent protests led Western powers like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to issue stringent sanctions that remain in place.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for violent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for violent
Adjective
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So all of us were just young and hungry and had the energy to be ferocious.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In the pic, Garfield plays a legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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Both require intense concentration, in order to be any good, and diligent practice, and both make use of imagination—which in tennis takes the form of anticipation—and creativity.—
Thomas Swick
September 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In 2010, Shannan Gilbert placed a frantic and incoherent 911 call, begging for help and claiming someone was after her.—
Michael Ruiz , Jennifer Johnson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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And that was only after a frantic scramble to get the snap off for Harrison Butker’s 59-yard kick to beat the clock going into the locker room.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Mid-summer changes to United’s revolving credit facility indicated a switch in strategy, and there was a more aggressive approach in the market following a summit in Iceland between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After a turbulent few weeks, things only became more tense when Sean McLaughlin and Allyshia Gupta claimed to have information that could destroy the relationship.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Parubiy embodied Ukraine’s turbulent modern history.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Zack recently completed five weeks of intensive training with his handler, Deputy Trisha List.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Measles, for example, was eliminated in the US in 2000 through intensive vaccination.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Allen leads Bills’ furious comeback After a fast start, the Bills’ offense had extreme difficulty getting things going downfield.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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One of the worst losses from any team this season sparked reactions from furious Dodgers fans on social media.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Johnson’s vigorous off-ball movement and ability to put the ball on the floor to come off screens and attack close-outs for drive-and-kick assists to perimeter shooters, as well as to keep defenses rotating and connect offensive actions, looks to be a seamless fit with his new squad.—
Joel Rush,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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New ball crew members are selected through a vigorous tryout process that takes place in late June.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Violent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/violent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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