Synonyms for

Killing

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

Definition

The act of causing death, especially deliberately.

Synonyms & similar words

beltdown tossoff puttingtodeath shootdown pop wipeout violentdeath obliterate pourdown drinkdown voteout kill votedown stampout cleanup defeat down sidesplitting boltdown murder assassination homicide slaughter butchery elimination execution extermination liquidation massacre termination annihilation destruction eradication dispatch slaying culling

Synonyms by register

Formal

homicide extermination annihilation slaughter

Informal

offing whacking rubbing out icing

Literary

slaying dispatching taking of life

Antonyms

birth creation life saving preservation nurturing healing

Common collocations

  • killing spree
  • killing blow
  • killing time
  • killing field
  • killing frost
  • killing joke
  • killing power
  • killing machine

Word family

noun killing
verb kill
adjective killing
adverb killingly

Usage note

The word 'killing' can refer to the act of taking a life, or colloquially, to something extremely effective or amusing. Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretation.

Example sentences

  1. The lion is killing its prey.
  2. The soldiers were killing the enemy.
  3. The poison is killing the rats.
  4. He was arrested for killing his wife.
  5. The serial killer was convicted of multiple killings.

Quotes

  • Violence is not the answer, but sometimes killing is the only option.
  • If you kill one person, you're a murderer. If you kill a million, you're a conqueror.
  • The killing of innocent people is always wrong, no matter who does it or why.

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