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fierce

fierce

220 3.0
Showing great power, anger or passion
  • adjective
  • /fɪrs/
translation icon : feroz
  • She is a fierce woman, sir.
  • fierce competition
  • fierce battle
  • fierce debate

Last year we have a very fierce debate on that.

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Examples

  • I come from a long line of fierce warriors and great hunters.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Outside parliament, however, the new rod licence law met with fierce opposition from among fishermen and boatmen.

    Academic text (1992)
  • First, yes, at first they were so fierce, but then...

  • "And though she be but little, she is fierce."

  • The fighting was fierce, but Spanish morale remained high.

  • Some fierce storms have passed.

  • But a month later, after a fierce debate in Parliament, her citizenship was reinstated.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Due to the fierce blizzard outside, I am stranded here.

  • He is a fierce fighter, but an even fiercer friend.

  • The fighting was so fierce that both sides had to call for a ceasefire.

Synonyms

strong
vsfierce
1.0

Having great power or influence over people

adds intensity, aggression, or emotional passion to that power
violent
vsfierce
  • Offensive
2.5

Using strong force that causes harm

covers intensity and aggression not always physical harm
intense
vsfierce
573 3.7

A very strong feeling or quality you feel deeply

often involves aggression, force, or passion beyond mere strength
passionate
vsfierce
329 2.8

Having very strong feelings about something

also covers aggression and force beyond warm emotional feeling
aggressive
vsfierce
248 3.6

Determined and energetic in trying to reach goals

includes strong intensity beyond goal directed behavior
furious
vsfierce
238 3.0

Very angry and ready to shout or complain

is about strong force or passion not only anger
formidable
vsfierce
133 7.0

A person or thing that is very powerful and makes people feel respect and fear

focuses more on aggressive intensity rather than causing respect
vigorous
vsfierce
87 4.1

Having a lot of strength and energy

leans more toward intensity and aggression than mere energy
fiery
vsfierce
64 3.5

Full of strong, often angry feelings

is broader and can show force without a quick temper
ferocious
vsfierce
64 5.5

Very strong and violent in a way that hurts or scares

is intense and aggressive but not necessarily violent
forceful
vsfierce
62 4.3

Showing strong power and clear confidence in speech or actions

adds aggression and passion beyond mere confidence
feisty
vsfierce
59 4.8

Full of energy and ready to argue or fight

is generally more intense or aggressive rather than merely spirited
ardent
vsfierce
38 6.3

Feeling very strong excitement or love for something

also covers aggression and force not only passionate warmth
savage
vsfierce
  • NSFW
27 4.5

Very fierce and violent and often cruel

can be intense without cruelty or uncontrolled violence
cutthroat
vsfierce
23 7.8

Showing no care for others when trying to win

is about raw force or passion not only ruthless tactics
strident
vsfierce
22 7.2

Very loud and harsh in a way that feels unpleasant

expresses strong intensity beyond merely loud or harsh tone
vehement
vsfierce
  • Formal
11 7.7

Showing very strong feeling that is hard to ignore

is broader, covering force or aggression beyond emotion
high-energy
vsfierce
9 3.7

Very active and full of strong, lively energy

adds aggression or strong passion beyond plain energy
tough
vsfierce
5 7.5

A person who is strong and may threaten or hurt others

highlights forceful intensity and passion rather than endurance or intimidation
raging
vsfierce
1 3.9

Very strong and intense, often violent and out of control

is similar but often more extreme or destructive
spirited
vsfierce
4.3

Brave and determined when facing danger or difficulty

is more about aggressive intensity rather than bravery alone

Antonyms

735 1.0

Not showing strong feelings and being very still

235 1.0

Kind and not strong in action, sound, or touch

107 1.0

Something like pain and criticism that is not very strong or serious

Idioms

something fierce
  • Informal
4 8.6

To a very great degree

9.1

Very angry and ready to attack

Compounds

A person who fights bravely and with great force in battle

How Fierce

ferocious
64 5.5
fierce
220 3.0
intense
573 3.7
strong
1.0
mild
107 1.0

Surface Forms

fierce positive
fiercer comparative
fiercest superlative

Etymology

Fierce comes from an old Latin word ferus meaning 'wild' and arrived in English through French, and you can see the same idea in the word ferocious. So fierce describes something with wild, strong energy or anger, which is why we use it for people, animals, storms, or intense competition.