Synonyms for

Barbarians

Verb / bɑ:ˈrberi:ʌnz / Another word for barbarians — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A member of a community or tribe not belonging to one of the great civilizations (Greek, Roman, Christian).

Synonyms & similar words

savage tyke peasant goth churl boor tike barbarian savage uncivilized primitive heathen wild nomad raider invader marauder vandal razer destroyer plunderer looter thug ruffian hooligan bully brute gangster

Synonyms by register

Formal

savages uncivilized primitives heathens

Informal

brutes hooligans thugs ruffians

Literary

hordes tribes nomads

Antonyms

civilized cultured sophisticated refined enlightened educated

Common collocations

  • barbarians at the gates
  • invading barbarians
  • savage barbarians
  • barbarians from the north
  • ancient barbarians
  • modern barbarians

Word family

noun barbarian
adjective barbaric
adverb barbarically

Usage note

Often used to describe people perceived as uncivilized or primitive, it carries a strong negative connotation and can be considered pejorative. Historically, it referred to non-Greek or non-Roman peoples.

Example sentences

  1. The barbarians from the north were attacking the city.
  2. The ancient Greeks considered the Persians to be barbarians.
  3. The barbarians wore animal skins and carried spears.
  4. The Roman empire was attacked by barbarians from all sides.
  5. The barbarians were skilled horsemen and archers.

Quotes

  • The more barbaric the man, the more he delighted in the rules of combat.
  • Barbarism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And barbarism must always ultimately triumph.
  • The barbarian is like a wild beast.

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