fierce

adjective

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\ ˈfirs

fiercer; fiercest

Definition of fierce

1a : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament a fierce tiger

b : given to fighting or killing : pugnacious fierce fighters

2a : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence a fierce argument

b : extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense fierce pain

3 : furiously active or determined make a fierce effort

4 : wild or menacing in appearance

5 informal : having or expressing bold confidence or style When it comes to celebrity fashion, while the looks are fierce they're not always attainable.— Marlen Komar

Other Words from fierce Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing fierce Learn More About fierce

Synonyms & Antonyms for fierce

Synonyms

Antonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for fierce

fierce, ferocious, barbarous, savage, cruel mean showing fury or malignity in looks or actions. fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack. fierce warriors ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality. a ferocious dog barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people. barbarous treatment of prisoners savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion. a savage criminal cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Examples of fierce in a Sentence

He was killed in a fierce battle. The proposal has faced fierce opposition. The two teams have had a fierce rivalry for many years. He's admired for his fierce independence. You could see the fierce determination in her eyes.

Recent Examples on the Web The most intense fighting in recent days has been in eastern Ukraine, where the two sides are entrenched in a fierce battle to capture or reclaim territory. — Elena Becatoros, Jon Gambrell, Anchorage Daily News, 8 May 2022 The most intense fighting in recent days has been in eastern Ukraine, where the two sides are entrenched in a fierce battle to capture or reclaim territory. — Elena Becatoros And Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2022 Polling suggests Oz is locked in a fierce battle with David McCormick, a former hedge fund executive, West Point graduate, Gulf War combat veteran, and Treasury Department official in former President George W. Bush's administration. — Paul Steinhauser, Fox News, 4 May 2022 Both companies have been plagued by concerns about streaming competition and the fierce battle for subscribers. — Paul R. La Monica, CNN, 19 Apr. 2022 There will be a fierce battle for the Senate in November, which is currently split 50-50. — Adam Brewster, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2022 While a fierce battle raged for control of the key port city Mariupol in the southeast, Russia's defense ministry vowed to increase strikes on Kyiv after weeks in which the Ukrainian capital had begun to recover from Russian attacks. — NBC News, 15 Apr. 2022 As a result, a fierce battle for talent has ensued, the likes of which many hiring managers have never experienced. — Lindy Theron, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2022 Early Tuesday, Ukrainian troops drove Russian forces from the Kyiv suburb of Makariv after a fierce battle, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said. — Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fierce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.