SAVAGING Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

savaging

verb

present participle of savage

as in attacking

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

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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 savaging Interest groups have capitalized on those fears, savaging any politician who dares to touch senior benefits or taxes. — Jessica Riedl, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 But the brutal attack on his girlfriend wasn’t the first time Smith had tried to stop the two pit-bull-and-Catahoua-leopard-mix dogs from savaging someone, according to an affidavit for an arrest warrant filed with the court. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 For months, the two right-wing media stars had been savaging each other on their respective platforms. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for savaging

Verb

So too are there similarities to the Brentford side that came up under Thomas Frank, given their set-piece credentials and attacking variety.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Fishback has been aggressively attacking Donalds over his politics and his race while holding rallies across the state drawing crowds of young men motivated by his hard-right campaign promises.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacking

Verb

The film also depicts Gorbachev as something of a drama queen during the meetings, slamming the table and raising his voice.

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
The active tropics comes on the 22nd anniversary of Hurricane Charley slamming into Florida, the beginning of one of the worst hurricane years in the state’s history.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of slamming

Verb

Rather than scolding parents about screens, society could do more to support families in ways that obviate the need for screen time.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.

— Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Definition of scolding

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savages

savaging

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“Savaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savaging. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of savaging

verb

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