Synonyms for

Terrier

Verb / ˈteri:ɜ: / Another word for terrier — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a small dog with a short, wiry coat and a feisty temperament, originally bred for hunting rodents

Synonyms & similar words

puppy mutt canine doggy hound mongrel pooch pup corgi dachshund bulldog chihuahua pomeranian schnauzer basenji dalmatian doberman

Synonyms by register

Formal

working dog hunting dog

Informal

mutt scruffy dog little dog

Literary

earth dog burrower

Antonyms

lapdog toy dog companion dog house pet

Common collocations

  • small terrier
  • wire-haired terrier
  • Jack Russell terrier
  • Scottish terrier
  • Yorkshire terrier
  • terrier mix
  • feisty terrier

Word family

noun terrier

Usage note

A terrier is a type of dog originally bred for hunting vermin. It is not typically used to refer to dogs of other breeds.

Example sentences

  1. I want to get a terrier for my birthday.
  2. My grandma's terrier is always barking at squirrels.
  3. The terrier chased the mouse into the corner.
  4. The terrier loved playing with his new chew toy.
  5. The terrier's bark was so loud it woke up the whole neighborhood.

Quotes

  • A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. - Josh Billings
  • Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. - Roger Caras
  • The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs. - Charles de Gaulle

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