Synonyms for

Violence

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

Definition

behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something

Synonyms & similar words

ferocity fierceness furiousness vehemence wildness force fury aggression attack assault brutality cruelty force harm injury mayhem outrage savagery terror warfare belligerence bloodshed conflict destruction hostility riot strife

Synonyms by register

Formal

aggression force brutality atrocity ferocity

Informal

roughness mayhem smash-up brawl

Literary

ravage havoc fury

Antonyms

peace calm harmony gentleness tranquility accord nonaggression

Common collocations

  • domestic violence
  • verbal violence
  • sexual violence
  • extreme violence
  • prevent violence
  • violence against
  • escalate violence
  • reduce violence

Word family

noun violence
verb violate
adjective violent
adverb violently

Usage note

Violence refers to behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. Be mindful of its strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The violence in the video game made me feel uncomfortable.
  2. The police were called to stop the violence at the protest.
  3. Domestic violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
  4. The violence in the movie was too intense for some viewers.
  5. Violence is never the answer to a problem.

Quotes

  • Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. - Isaac Asimov
  • Violence is not a solution for our problem. Violence only begets more violence. - Desmond Tutu
  • Violence is the language of the unheard. - Martin Luther King Jr.

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