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 From school days on, Shelley was a political activist, a fierce opponent of local tyrannies and, more broadly, the collaboration of king, state, and Church. — Susan J. Wolfson, The Atlantic, 18 June 2022 McMahon, who didn’t directly address any of these allegations, has been known to rally WWE’s fanbase against outside forces when under fierce criticism or scrutiny. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 18 June 2022 At the same time, the close alliance that Mr. Thompson appears to have forged with Ms. Cheney has softened his reputation as a fierce partisan reluctant to work with Republicans. — New York Times, 17 June 2022 This roadblock shunts fierce high-altitude winds and storminess to the north over Canada and the Great Lakes, with sunshine and high pressure building in to the south. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 17 June 2022 Their yellow bills gape, and their fierce black and yellow eyes shine. — Richard Mertens, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2022 Like other abelisaurids, the dinosaur had a fierce bulldog-like face. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2022 Lopez also had fierce discussions with NFL executives over getting additional time to have a noteworthy finale with the two musicians on stage at once. — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2022 During the same decade, evidence of Squalicorax, a fierce Cretaceous period shark, was found, particularly from teeth marks infixed in prehistoric reptiles, including dinosaurs. — al, 14 June 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.