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

Generally, these hunters do not start attacking cells unless there is a reason to do so, such as inflammation, a key marker of infection.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
For example, Way of the Sword rewards defensive play in the form of Issen, powerful counterattacks that are triggered by attacking before an enemy strikes.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacking

Verb

Meanwhile, Talarico is barnstorming the state, slamming Republicans mostly on kitchen table issues like stubborn inflation and the price of gas that has skyrocketed due to Trump’s war with Iran.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
There was little time for anyone to flee as flash floods decimated villages, slamming into houses, roads, bridges and power plants.

— Megan De Mar, CBS News, 27 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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“Savaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savaging. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of savaging

verb

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