ferocity

noun

Definition of ferocitynext
as in brutality
a very fierce or violent quality; the quality or state of being ferocious the ferocity of the attack The ferocity of the backlash took them by surprise.

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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 ferocity Unfortunately for them, passersby appeared to be much more concerned about the stifling 100-degree heat dome that settled over the city with particular ferocity. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 In Cyprus, many officials have pointed to climate change for the ferocity and speed of recent wildfires that have claimed at least six lives over the last five years. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 But its ferocity led right-wing broadcasters and influencers to start talking about a new kind of urban lawlessness enabled by liberal social policies. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 But the forechecking winger should bring some ferocity to their fourth line, though his physical nature can get him into hot water with the NHL. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ferocity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferocity
  1. brutality
  2. cruelty
  3. ferociousness
  4. murderousness
  5. fierceness
Noun
  • The Beast in Me showrunner Howard Gordon knows there was one scene in the Netflix limited series that was divisive because of its brutality.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Today, such dreams might put a woman in jail or expose her to the casual brutality of the Taliban’s paternal order.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of brutality
Noun
  • So far, more than 100 officers have completed training on recognizing animal cruelty and collecting evidence, and have been equipped with referrals to resources if no cruelty is found.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • As Rhaenyra slowly descends into a pit of despair, cruelty and desperation, Daemon and his armies run into some snags on their assault of Tumbleton thanks to the various tricks Lord Ormund has up his sleeves.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cruelty
Noun
  • The ferociousness of the defending champs can be, has been, overwhelming for most.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 19 May 2026
  • Here, sea level rise is accelerating at some of the most extreme rates on Earth, while hurricanes increasingly are swirling ashore with an unprecedented ferociousness.
    — Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Definition of ferociousness
Noun
  • The guy was a sleaze, but there’s a pretty big gap between sleaziness and murderousness.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
Definition of murderousness
Noun
  • Curled up in a chair on the top floor of The Times’ offices in El Segundo, looking down on the runways of LAX boiling in the late July sun, Williams gives runway fierceness against the beige office walls.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The actress cranked the fierceness all the way up while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on July 30.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of fierceness

Browse Nearby Words

ferociousness
ferocity
ferret
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Cite this Entry

“Ferocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferocity. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ferocity

Nglish: Translation of ferocity for Spanish Speakers

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