Synonyms for

Animals

Verb / ˈænʌmʌlz / Another word for animals — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Animals are living things that are not plants and that have the ability to move around. They can be wild or domesticated and come in many different shapes and sizes.

Synonyms & similar words

brute fauna beast animal animatebeing creature creatures beasts critters livestock wildlife fauna brutes vertebrates mammals reptiles amphibians birds insects rodents pets beings monsters organisms bugs varmints

Synonyms by register

Formal

fauna creatures beings

Informal

critters beasts guys

Literary

living things sentient beings

Antonyms

plants vegetation flora fungi inanimate objects

Common collocations

  • wild animals
  • domestic animals
  • farm animals
  • sea animals
  • animals rights
  • animals welfare
  • animals kingdom

Word family

noun animal
adjective animalistic

Usage note

The word 'animals' is a general term for living organisms that are not plants or fungi. It can sometimes be used informally to refer to people behaving in a crude or primitive way.

Example sentences

  1. The animals in the jungle were very loud.
  2. My favorite animal is a dolphin.
  3. We saw a lot of animals on our camping trip.
  4. Some animals hibernate during the winter.
  5. The farmer takes care of the animals on his farm.

Quotes

  • Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms. - George Eliot
  • The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words