MUTILATE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'mutilate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mutilate are batter , cripple , maim , and mangle . While all these words mean "to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage," mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function. // a tree mutilated by inept pruning

Q: Where would 'batter' be a reasonable alternative to 'mutilate'?

Although the words batter and mutilate have much in common, batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate. // an old ship battered by fierce storms

Q: When is 'cripple' a more appropriate choice than 'mutilate'?

The words cripple and mutilate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg. // crippled for life in an accident

Q: When can 'maim' be used instead of 'mutilate'?

The meanings of maim and mutilate largely overlap; however, maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence. // maimed by a shark

Q: When could 'mangle' be used to replace 'mutilate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mutilate , mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds. // a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

mutilate

verb

ˈmyü-tə-ˌlāt

Definition of mutilate

as in to cripple

to cause severe or permanent injury to was lucky not to be mutilated in the car crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb mutilate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mutilate are batter, cripple, maim, and mangle. While all these words mean "to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage," mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function.

a tree mutilated by inept pruning

Where would batter be a reasonable alternative to mutilate?

Although the words batter and mutilate have much in common, batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate.

an old ship battered by fierce storms

When is cripple a more appropriate choice than mutilate?

The words cripple and mutilate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg.

crippled for life in an accident

When can maim be used instead of mutilate?

The meanings of maim and mutilate largely overlap; however, maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence.

maimed by a shark

When could mangle be used to replace mutilate?

While in some cases nearly identical to mutilate, mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds.

a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

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 mutilate Guess which mowing league isn't mutilating hedgehogs? — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 One knight short for the trial of seven that will determine if he is freed or if he will be mutilated by the crown, Dunk appeals to the honor of all knights present, asking them to take up his cause. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 June 2026 Tony Lee Hughes, 38, of the 600 block of Camelot Manor, is charged with Level 6 felonies of killing a domestic animal and mutilating a vertebrate animal. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 The victims in Louisiana and Florida were all stabbed, with some mutilated and several appeared posed suggestively. — Corin Cesaric, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutilate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutilate

Verb

The new film takes its cue from a once-promising novelist crippled by writer’s block who reconnects with his estranged college roommate, now a wealthy tech entrepreneur, in hopes of finding inspiration for his next book.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 July 2026
The tragic twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 laid bare the dire state of the country’s health system, crippled by years of economic crisis, government mismanagement and the migration of medical workers.

— Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Definition of cripple

Verb

Furthermore, the Iranians are far from disabled, disarmed and incapacitated.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
According to the complaint, Willis has been left completely incapacitated since a brief stint at Summit Malibu in early 2024, unable to move or communicate beyond occasionally opening her eyes and sometimes grunting.

— Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of incapacitate

Verb

He was previously charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (scissors) and assault with intent to maim, and he was convicted of arson.

— Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 July 2026
Even in 2026, the category’s identity is anchored in infamous scenes of maiming, torture, and cathartic bloodshed.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Definition of maim

Verb

In the film, Robin Hood (Jackman), who feels cursed after leading a life of violent crime, is gravely wounded in a battle and seeks a chance at salvation while under the care of the mysterious Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer).

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The Pentagon also lists 420 troops as wounded in action during Operation Epic Fury.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 26 July 2026

Definition of wound

Verb

Two people were killed and at least five others were injured in a shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday night as the civic center complex hosted a major food festival.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 27 July 2026
On Saturday night, Fort Worth police shot and killed another suspect who pulled a gun on officers following a short car chase that ended near the I-35W service road on the city’s far south side, Garcia said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026

Definition of kill

Verb

The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic disease that causes scarring in the lungs and leads to a reduced oxygen uptake.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
In images shared by HM Coastguard Canvey, the bluish-gray carcass appears to have scarring along its underside, with no clear indication of its cause of death.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

Definition of scar

Browse Nearby Words

mutes

mutilate

mutilated

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“Mutilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutilate. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mutilate

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