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fierce

adjective
\ ˈfirs How to pronounce fierce (audio) \
fiercer; fiercest

Definition of fierce

1a : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament a fierce tiger
b : given to fighting or killing : pugnacious fierce fighters
2a : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence a fierce argument
b : extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense fierce pain
3 : furiously active or determined make a fierce effort
4 : wild or menacing in appearance
5 informal : having or expressing bold confidence or style When it comes to celebrity fashion, while the looks are fierce they're not always attainable.— Marlen Komar
Other Words from fierce Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about fierce

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Other Words from fierce

fierceness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for fierce

Synonyms

fell, ferocious, grim, savage, vicious

Antonyms

gentle, mild, unaggressive

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Choose the Right Synonym for fierce

fierce, ferocious, barbarous, savage, cruel 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 ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality. a ferocious dog barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people. barbarous treatment of prisoners savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion. a savage criminal cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Examples of fierce in a Sentence

He was killed in a fierce battle. The proposal has faced fierce opposition. The two teams have had a fierce rivalry for many years. He's admired for his fierce independence. You could see the fierce determination in her eyes.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The Naples based side boast a proud and fierce fan base. — SI.com, "RB Salzburg, Napoli, Genk: Everything You Need to Know About Liverpool's Champions League Opponents," 31 Aug. 2019 The White Sox, cruising through a vacuum left by a surprisingly flat Yankee campaign and pursued by a fierce but ultimately feckless Cleveland Indians team, are closing in on the pennant. — Stephen Hunter, National Review, "Baseball Plays at the Plate," 22 Aug. 2019 Now, with financial and marketing help from its government, Georgian wine was becoming a sought-after commodity on the world stage as the country’s rustic, honeyed amber wines and fierce, spicy reds began to find an enthusiastic fan base. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "In Sonoma, a natural winemaker looks to the Republic of Georgia for inspiration," 15 Aug. 2019 Sophie Turner looked edgy and fierce in a vinyl miniskirt and matching knee-high boots while out and about in New York City yesterday. — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sophie Turner Makes Vinyl in the Summer Look Cool," 1 Aug. 2019 Arguably the cutest officers on the force, Houston Police Department patrol canines are a fierce and furry pack dedicated to helping their human partners catch bad guys. — Jay R. Jordan, Houston Chronicle, "Meet the K9s of the Houston Police Department," 1 Aug. 2019 Launching activewear brand EleVen in 2007, Williams has delivered high-quality fitness and tennis gear to women who are all about being fierce and fabulous. — Dominique Hobdy, Essence, "EXCLUSIVE: Venus Williams Dishes On New EleVen Collection," 29 July 2019 The competition is fierce and the asking price is high, especially this July. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Saunders: Rockies’ playoff hopes rest on acquiring veteran starting pitcher," 13 July 2019 She was known for her fierce and unrelenting spirit, her drive to be fair and just, and her love for life. — sun-sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 7/10," 10 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fierce.' 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 fierce

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for fierce

Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek thēr wild animal

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More Definitions for fierce

fierce

adjective
How to pronounce fierce (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of fierce

: very violent
: eager to fight or kill
: having or showing a lot of strong emotion : very strong or intense

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

fierce

adjective
\ ˈfirs How to pronounce fierce (audio) \
fiercer; fiercest

Kids Definition of fierce

1 : likely to attack a fierce animal
2 : having or showing very great energy or enthusiasm She plays the game with fierce determination.
3 : wild or threatening in appearance He brandished a fierce sword.
4 : characterized by extreme force, intensity, or anger a fierce fight fierce winds

Other Words from fierce

fiercely adverb
fierceness noun

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More from Merriam-Webster on fierce

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with fierce

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fierce

Spanish Central: Translation of fierce

Nglish:

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