Synonyms for

Gorilla

Verb / gɜ:ˈɪlʌ / Another word for gorilla — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A large, powerful ape found in Africa, with black hair and a broad chest.

Synonyms & similar words

gorillagorilla ape primate chimpanzee orangutan gibbon baboon monkey lemur siamang tarsier marmoset capuchin macaque langur mandrill

Synonyms by register

Formal

primate ape

Informal

big ape hairy beast

Literary

simian giant forest king

Antonyms

human person individual man woman child

Common collocations

  • mountain gorilla
  • silverback gorilla
  • gorilla warfare
  • gorilla suit
  • gorilla tactics
  • gorilla group
  • gorilla strength

Word family

noun gorilla
adjective gorillalike

Usage note

While 'gorilla warfare' is a common idiom, it is a mishearing of 'guerrilla warfare' and does not relate to the animal.

Example sentences

  1. I saw a gorilla at the zoo yesterday.
  2. The gorilla pound was the most popular exhibit at the zoo.
  3. The gorilla scratched its head and looked around.
  4. The gorilla was eating a banana.
  5. The gorilla was so strong, it broke the tree branch.

Quotes

  • To make a primate or a gorilla out of a human being is not a new phenomenon.
  • The gorilla is so ugly it's beautiful.
  • I've never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a 'fat cat' and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a 'public-spirited philanthropist'.

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