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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Relatives told News Center Maine, an NBC News affiliate, that Brouillette has a history of terrifying and violent behavior. — Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 17 July 2026 On the bright side, Yellowstone appears to be pretty safe from violent crime—only one homicide was confirmed in the 17 years of data. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2026 The escape has brought scrutiny on the Bureau of Prisons and the decision to incarcerate Cofield in such a low-security facility given his extensive criminal history that includes organized crime and orchestrations of violent acts. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 16 July 2026 Its extended depictions of the Trojan War are full of general mayhem, but specific violent acts are either seen in very brief snatches or alluded to through cutaways. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 July 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
  • On top of these costs, increasingly ferocious climate disasters cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
    — Liat Olenick, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026
  • Now, researchers are concerned that more ecosystems will be disrupted as the apex predators with a ferocious appetite feast on a buffet of raccoons, opossums, bobcats, alligators and birds -- including prey bigger than themselves.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • Research shows warming temperatures from burning coal, oil and gas are making fires more frequent and intense.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
  • After an intense tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, in which matches have been played in extreme heat and sometimes at altitude, freshness come Sunday could certainly be crucial.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • Towns still rebuilding are hit by new floods Volunteer firefighters spent the night evacuating homes and answering frantic calls in Ingram, just up river from Hunt, said Ingram Mayor Claud Jordan.
    — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • The frantic antics and manic-yet-precise playing at times jaw-dropping.
    — Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026
Definition of frantic
Adjective
  • In March, a group of major medical organizations, including the AHA and the American College of Cardiology, released new guidelines urging more aggressive treatment of cholesterol.
    — Anne Thompson, NBC news, 16 July 2026
  • His team is curious about the fuel effects of acceleration and aggressive driving and other air pollutants that might increase with speeding.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • The story of Stan Lee’s turbulent last years is finally getting the documentary treatment.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
  • Shane O’Neill This was a late addition to the annals of 1968, one of the most turbulent years in American history.
    — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Yet the end goal of this liberation movement appears to be a more intense brand of intensive parenting.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
  • Rising costs across the produce supply chain Growing everything from strawberries to collard greens is labor intensive, and for many years, worker shortages have compelled farms to hike wages.
    — Elizabeth Canales, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • Additional sources recently told the National Examiner that William is furious about Harry and Meghan’s reported desire to collaborate with Netflix on the documentary.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 18 July 2026
  • Nolan doesn’t exactly share his hero’s reticence; one of his signature tactics as a writer is to place blocky, boldface ideas in furious opposition.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of furious
Adjective
  • Nolan advances his vision, however crowd-pleasing and anachronistic, with vigorous confidence and unimpeachable clarity.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • Especially in containers and hanging baskets, regular fertilizing is essential for keeping petunias blooming and vigorous all summer long.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on violent

Nglish: Translation of violent for Spanish Speakers

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