savage 1 of 3

noun

Definition of savagenext
1
as in brute
a mean, evil, or unprincipled person what kind of savage would hurt a baby?

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2
as in barbarian
an uncivilized person inhabitants of exotic lands were invariably portrayed by early travel writers as savages

Synonyms & Similar Words

savage

2 of 3

adjective

ˈsa-vij How to pronounce savage (audio)
1
as in rude
not civilized Tarzan is usually portrayed as a noble but savage warrior of the jungle

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2
as in brutal
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others a savage attack on a helpless person

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in feral
living outdoors without taming or domestication by humans savage beasts that seemed threatening to the tourists

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ferocious
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition early explorers avoided those areas that were rumored to be inhabited by savage natives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

savage

3 of 3

verb

as in to attack
to criticize harshly and usually publicly book reviewers mercilessly savaged his latest novel

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word savage different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of savage are barbarous, cruel, ferocious, and fierce. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

Where would barbarous be a reasonable alternative to savage?

Although the words barbarous and savage have much in common, barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When would cruel be a good substitute for savage?

The words cruel and savage can be used in similar contexts, but cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

When can ferocious be used instead of savage?

While in some cases nearly identical to savage, ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When might fierce be a better fit than savage?

The synonyms fierce and savage are sometimes interchangeable, but fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

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 savage
Noun
This savage, amoral and unfeeling Robin Hood has been written to invert everything modern fans like about him. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 Yet the car was also a burden, with high monthly interest payments, which put savage masculinity at odds with paternal liability. — Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Adjective
What begins as a desperate family bonding trip rapidly devolves into savage violence and brutal psychological warfare. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2026 But Krem has other ideas, unleashing sudden violence as the Knolls’ 13-year-old daughter Ruthye (Eve Ridley) witnesses the savage murder of her parents and brother. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
Verb
The two sides publicly savaged each other, with dueling allegations of mishandling forensic evidence, among other things. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 Shortly after Warren went after Schatz, the neo-Brandeisian network savaged him as a mouthpiece for private equity. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for savage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savage
  1. brute
  2. barbarian
  3. rude
  4. brutal
  5. feral
  6. ferocious
  7. attack
  8. villain
Noun
  • Shinnecock was still a brute of a test, but the red numbers on the white scoreboard were an unfamiliar site for this course.
    — Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • These brutes commonly exceed 50 pounds.
    — Keith Sutton, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026
Definition of brute
Noun
  • The world drew heavily from the paintings of fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta, who depicted scenes of barbarians and beasts in conflict, of pulp fiction heroes, femme fatales, and fierce warrior women.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • To an outsider, the scene may spark a certain Schadenfreude, like an army of tiny barbarians sacking Rome.
    — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of barbarian
Adjective
  • Due Amici brings Brooklyn roots and authenticity, right down to the counter service that’s not rude but not exactly warm.
    — Peter St. Onge Updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
  • It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.
    — Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Definition of rude
Adjective
  • And Addy, perhaps the most brutal American Girl story, is enslaved.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In January, the government suppressed huge nationwide protests in a brutal crackdown that left thousands dead.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of brutal
Adjective
  • The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Almost immediately, her half-feral dragon attacks Moondancer.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of feral
Adjective
  • Known for his command of ferocious demon-quelling deities, Zhenwu remains a popular deity in Daoist exorcist rituals in places such as Taiwan.
    — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • That’s because a parasite called Cyclospora, which can contaminate raw produce and causes ferocious and long-lasting bouts of diarrheal illness, is making people sick across several states.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of ferocious
Verb
  • According to court documents reviewed by The Times, the model alleges that Sandoval shoved her down a flight of stairs in his home, pushed her to the ground at a hotel in Nashville, and attacked her and her father on June 3.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Electing to keep his No 5 on the field, the Brazil head coach made a subtle tactical tweak that saw Endrick enter the action and brought Matheus Cunha further to the left flank — which unlocked the attacking prowess of Vinicius Junior.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • There are probably easier ways to mount a crime thriller steeped in gritty realism than centering it on a villain made of gas.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
  • That doesn’t mean Netherlands players are villains, or anything less than heroes for their country.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of villain

Browse Nearby Words

savable
savage
savaged
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Cite this Entry

“Savage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savage. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on savage

Nglish: Translation of savage for Spanish Speakers

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