fierce

adjective

ˈfirs How to pronounce fierce (audio)
Definition of fiercenext
1
as in ferocious
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition the Vikings had a well-earned reputation for being fierce warriors

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2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a fierce wind made the frigid temperatures seem even worse

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3
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance the fierce faces of the players on the opposing hockey team

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4
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal a social reformer of fierce and fearless determination

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5
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity fierce fighting raged in the streets of the war-torn city

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6
as in frantic
marked by great and often stressful excitement or activity fierce early-morning trading sent stocks soaring

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fierce are barbarous, cruel, ferocious, and savage. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

Where would barbarous be a reasonable alternative to fierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to fierce, barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When is it sensible to use cruel instead of fierce?

The meanings of cruel and fierce largely overlap; however, cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

When would ferocious be a good substitute for fierce?

The synonyms ferocious and fierce are sometimes interchangeable, but ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When can savage be used instead of fierce?

Although the words savage and fierce have much in common, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

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 fierce At the most recent debate, hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo 52 on May 6, the seven candidates again clashed over housing and immigration, while Becerra and Steyer faced fierce attacks from both sides of the political spectrum, The Los Angeles Times reported. —James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026 The sisters’ mission involves a dangerous and violent road trip; the fierce Racine outdoes the sensitive Anaia in her bloodlust, and the drama, reminiscent of classical tragedy, resounds with mythopoetic overtones. —Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 15 May 2026 One of the fiercest divisional rivalries in the NFL will have a new look to it. —Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 May 2026 The Rams’ 2026 schedule was unveiled Thursday as part of the NFL’s schedule release, with the 17-game slate ending with two games in three weeks against one of their fiercest rivals. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fierce
  1. ferocious
  2. intense
  3. gruff
  4. aggressive
  5. violent
  6. frantic
  7. savage
  8. intensive
Adjective
  • The first wave of women’s-rights activists won suffrage for women, against ferocious and sometimes violent opposition.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
  • Featuring aching, ferocious performances from Emmy winners Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, Camp Miasma imagines the resurrection of a dormant slasher franchise.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • There is a brightness and its opposite, not darkness but another brightness, just as intense.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • Paxton voters are more intense in their contempt for Cornyn than vice versa.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • But the grizzled former Man in Black and man-who-failed-to-ground-Maverick isn’t known for playing the type of gruff ol’ cowpoke who’s about to break into song.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
  • The son of a Scottish immigrant, McCluskie had a reputation as a political street fighter and his gruff style complemented Becerra’s more measured, cerebral approach.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Gone was the meek servant child, replaced by a confident woman who remained composed during aggressive cross-examination.
    — Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The new reality finds those legacy players, with the single exception of Disney, playing defense as tech’s flywheel spins faster, and their pursuit of TV ad dollars becomes even more aggressive.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • When Ahmed suggested that this was a bad idea, since Denise was the one who had been violent, Denise began cursing at him.
    — Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Some people argue that enforcement becomes necessary when encampments grow large or long-term, especially when safety concerns, sanitation issues, or violent incidents arise.
    — Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • The burgundy and blue showed up with the same lineup as Monday night in Minnesota and looked completely different until an active second period and frantic final four minutes in the third to tie the score after an icing call created a margin for a comeback.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
  • This week, The Athletic is putting the focus on what promises to be another frantic summer transfer window for Liverpool.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Definition of frantic
Adjective
  • Take George Mullins — 18 years old at the battle of Carentan, one of the most savage engagements of the war, where his company lost 43 of its 45 men in three days of fighting.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • The perpetrators of these crimes are savage animals without a shred of humanity.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
Definition of savage
Adjective
  • Rice University’s Kinder Institute study found that newcomer students in the kindergarten through fifth grade age range who are eligible for intensive newcomer English programs experience a measurable academic boost, lasting up to three years after eligibility.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
  • And it is currently made, almost everywhere in the world, through a process that is energy-intensive, waste-heavy, and engineered for an environment with almost no environmental regulation.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of intensive

Browse Nearby Words

fiends
fierce
fiercely
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Cite this Entry

“Fierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fierce. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fierce for Spanish Speakers

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