fiercer; fiercest
1
a
: violently hostile or aggressive in temperament
a fierce tiger
b
: given to fighting or killing : pugnacious
fierce fighters
2
a
: 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
fierceness noun
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 Laura is a proud former resident of the New Jersey shore, a competitive swimmer, and a fierce defender of the Oxford comma. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2024 But Tuesday did offer a few things to consider as the state moves closer to November, when Arizona figures to be among the fiercest battlegrounds. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024 Along with promoting her new LP, Lenker has been a fierce advocate for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 Putin on Navalny’s death Putin’s fiercest opponents have died in recent months. Christian Edwards, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 And in a season where competition is fierce—even for a wild card spot—this decision could loom large come September. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 Former Speaker McCarthy’s efforts to reach a compromise with the Democrats in the Senate and the White House had met with fierce opposition from Trump, who urged the House G.O.P. to stop funding the government. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 The two women find themselves in a fierce rivalry where their political futures and lives hang in the balance. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 The key to success lies in offering a brand or service that adds unique value in a fierce marketplace. Essence, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fierce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek thēr wild animal

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fierce was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fierce

Cite this Entry

“Fierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fierce. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fierce

adjective
fiercer; fiercest
1
a
: violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
b
: eager to fight or kill
2
: expressed with extreme force or anger : intense
a fierce argument
3
: furiously active or determined
a fierce effort
4
: wild or threatening in appearance
fiercely adverb
fierceness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fierce

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