BRUTISH Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'brutish' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutish are bestial , brutal , and feral . While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct. // brutish stupidity

Q: In what contexts can 'bestial' take the place of 'brutish'?

In some situations, the words bestial and brutish are roughly equivalent. However, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts. // bestial depravity

Q: When is 'brutal' a more appropriate choice than 'brutish'?

The meanings of brutal and brutish largely overlap; however, brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity. // a senseless and brutal war

Q: When could 'feral' be used to replace 'brutish'?

The words feral and brutish can be used in similar contexts, but feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals. // the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

brutish

adjective

ˈbrü-tish

Definition of brutish

as in brute

having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal as the months of recurrent combat dragged on, the daily existence of the soldiers became increasingly brutish

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How does the adjective brutish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brutish are bestial, brutal, and feral. While all these words mean "characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct," brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct.

brutish stupidity

In what contexts can bestial take the place of brutish?

In some situations, the words bestial and brutish are roughly equivalent. However, bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts.

bestial depravity

When is brutal a more appropriate choice than brutish?

The meanings of brutal and brutish largely overlap; however, brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity.

a senseless and brutal war

When could feral be used to replace brutish?

The words feral and brutish can be used in similar contexts, but feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals.

the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

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 brutish Nolan delivers one fantastical set piece after another to test Matt Damon’s Odysseus, while keeping the audience equally compelled by the palace intrigue back at Ithaca as Anne Hathaway’s Penelope holds off a brutish gaggle of suitors. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 If the end was coming for me now, to rescind all the grace I’d been given, then the tractor was a brutish way to go. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 And to complete the old-school feeling, this brutish bulldog is built by AC Cars, one of the world’s longest standing auto manufacturers. — New Atlas, 3 June 2026 But when a brutish — and handsome — newcomer named Sir Tristam defeats Sir Palomides in a tournament, Princess Isode finds her plans thwarted. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for brutish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brutish

Adjective

Combined with stealth and an extensive skill tree, these systems encourage players to adapt rather than rely solely on brute force.

— Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Even the herculean efforts to acquire capabilities for the conflict with Iran largely amounted to a collection of waivers, special actions, and brute-force leadership.

— Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of brute

Adjective

Within a span of four months in Fort Worth last year, Watkins and Snellings were killed in similarly brutal attacks in the Near Southside and Historic Southside sections of the city.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Even so, when investor confidence broke in 1997, the adjustment was swift and brutal.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of brutal

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“Brutish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brutish. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of brutish

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