savagery

noun

sav·​age·​ry ˈsa-vi-jə-rē How to pronounce savagery (audio)
ˈsa-vij-rē
plural savageries
Synonyms of savagerynext
1
a
: the quality of being savage
b
: an act of cruelty or violence
2
: an uncivilized state

Synonyms of savagery

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Examples of savagery in a Sentence

The savagery of the attack was horrifying. an act of pure savagery the savageries committed by the soldiers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This savagery can last up to a week before the mature larvae fall to the ground. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 Ben’s twisted misogynist savagery is exhausting from the start. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 25 Apr. 2026 In the first period, the Avs looked like the Avs again, attacking the Strip with the speed, swagger and savagery of a starving polar bear. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 May 2026 Despite Dee’s savagery, Blyth portrays Taylor’s cellmate as loyal and honest — someone who believes in a personal code of conduct. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savagery

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of savagery was circa 1616

Rhymes for savagery

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Browse Nearby Words

savagerous
savagery
savagism
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Cite this Entry

“Savagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savagery. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

savagery

noun
sav·​age·​ry ˈsav-ij-(ə-)rē How to pronounce savagery (audio)
plural savageries
1
: savage disposition or action : cruelty
2
: the state of being savage

More from Merriam-Webster on savagery

Nglish: Translation of savagery for Spanish Speakers

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