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feral

adjective
fe·​ral | \ ˈfir-É™l How to pronounce feral (audio) , ˈfer-; ˈfe-rÉ™l How to pronounce feral (audio) \

Definition of feral

1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a wild beast feral teeth feral instincts
2a : not domesticated or cultivated : wild feral animals
b : having escaped from domestication and become wild feral cats
Other Words from feral Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about feral

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Other Words from feral

feral noun

Choose the Right Synonym for feral

brutal, brutish, bestial, feral mean characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct. brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity. a senseless and brutal war brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct. brutish stupidity bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts. bestial depravity feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals. the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses

Examples of feral in a Sentence

They led a feral existence. animal experts discourage homeowners from trying to adopt feral animals as pets

Recent Examples on the Web

 Crucially, Forbes notes, the researchers pinpointed Type X’s origins to two feral cats and one bobcat living in the vicinity of the otters’ Monterey Bay habitat. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Parasite Spread by House Cats Is Killing California’s Sea Otters," 30 Aug. 2019 Dear Cathy, Dogs can be brought inside, feral cats, not so much, although there are ways. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, "Outdoor cats suffering in the Texas heat need extra help," 23 Aug. 2019 Maddox was a feral hyena who desperately missed his siblings, and Leka was in the midst of a nervous breakdown. — Kathryn Miles, Outside Online, "How to Introduce Your New Dog to Your Old Dog," 14 Aug. 2019 Justine Kurland’s Girl Pictures, feral despite their polish. — Eryn Loeb, Longreads, "When Friendship Fades But the Images Linger," 9 Aug. 2019 In fact, the most egregious acts were most consistent with Trump’s feral philosophy and with the aims of a Republican Party that is now decidedly his. — Jacob S. Hacker, Washington Post, "The missteps and misdeeds of Trump’s Cabinet," 1 Aug. 2019 Populations of feral honey bees crashed after Varroa arrived, for example. — Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, "Breeders toughen up bees to resist deadly mites," 25 July 2019 Rock Springs Police Chief Dwane Pacheco says the shelter only euthanizes feral cats and aggressive dogs and has one of Wyoming’s few free spay-and-neuter programs. — USA TODAY, "Titanic auction, Legos, mighty Mississippi: News from around our 50 states," 22 July 2019 The increase in seeds also means more rats, stoats and feral cats -- all of which pose risks to the bird. — Leah Asmelash And Brian Ries, CNN, "This bird was nearly extinct. Now, its population could double thanks to an 'epic' breeding season," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of feral

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for feral

Medieval Latin feralis, from Latin fera wild animal, from feminine of ferus wild — more at fierce

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More Definitions for feral

feral

adjective
How to pronounce feral (audio) How to pronounce feral (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of feral

: of, relating to, or resembling a wild beast
—used to describe an animal (such as a cat or dog) that has escaped and become wild

See the full definition for feral in the English Language Learners Dictionary

feral

adjective
fe·​ral | \ ˈfir-É™l How to pronounce feral (audio) , ˈfer-\

Kids Definition of feral

: having escaped from the care of people and become wild feral pigs

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More from Merriam-Webster on feral

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with feral

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for feral

Nglish: Translation of feral for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of feral for Arabic Speakers

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