BRUTAL Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'brutal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutal are bestial , brutish , and feral . While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity. // a senseless and brutal war

Q: When would 'bestial' be a good substitute for 'brutal'?

The words bestial and brutal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts. // bestial depravity

Q: In what contexts can 'brutish' take the place of 'brutal'?

The words brutish and brutal can be used in similar contexts, but brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct. // brutish stupidity

Q: When is 'feral' a more appropriate choice than 'brutal'?

Although the words feral and brutal have much in common, feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals. // the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

brutal

adjective

ˈbrü-tᵊl

Definition of brutal

as in harsh

difficult to endure brutal hard labor in the hot sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cruel

having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others a brutal tyrant who drove his country to revolt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in brute

having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal a coarse, brutal man who has no sense of what it means to be refined or sensitive or cultured

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brutal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutal are bestial, brutish, and feral. While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity.

a senseless and brutal war

When would bestial be a good substitute for brutal?

The words bestial and brutal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts.

bestial depravity

In what contexts can brutish take the place of brutal?

The words brutish and brutal can be used in similar contexts, but brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct.

brutish stupidity

When is feral a more appropriate choice than brutal?

Although the words feral and brutal have much in common, feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals.

the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

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 brutal Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Interim manager Chad Tracy pregame noted how team trainers prepare the players for such brutal conditions, including urging them to hydrate as much as possible before coming to the ballpark. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 1 July 2026 The teaser opens with a young Jean Valjean enduring the brutal years of his imprisonment before fast-forwarding to his new life and the inevitable pursuit by Inspector Javert, played by Tahar Rahim. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 While critics mostly embraced Harris’ brutal commitment to conjuring such a twisted tale, Amazon MGM put out a muddled sales pitch that grossed under $5 million domestically. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brutal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brutal

Adjective

White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

The heat has become so unbearable in Japan that weather officials in April announced a new term for days when maximum temperatures exceed 104 degrees — kokushobi, meaning harsh or cruel heat, according to the Japan Times.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the lack of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s cruelest consequences.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of cruel

Adjective

MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.

— Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Other booths included photo opportunities dressed in traditional Colonial garb, hands-on historical exhibits and interactive displays that offered visitors a break from the oppressive heat.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Due to the oppressive heat, the Phillies have adjusted operations through Thursday's game.

— Eva Andersen, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of oppressive

Adjective

On Wednesday, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined a slew of challenges facing the city this weekend, including huge Independence Day celebrations, a World Cup match and a searing heat wave.

— Jake Offenhartz, Fortune, 2 July 2026
What began as searing pain in one of his arms was now a relentless ache in his chest.

— Tara Bannow, STAT, 29 June 2026

Definition of searing

Cite this Entry

Style

“Brutal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brutal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of brutal

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on brutal

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes