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Fierce vs Cruel - What's the difference?

fierce | cruel |

Cruel is a synonym of fierce.



As adjectives the difference between fierce and cruel

is that fierce is extremely violent, severe, ferocious or savage while cruel is not nice; mean; heartless.

As a verb cruel is

to spoil or ruin (one's chance of success.

fierce

English

Adjective

(er)
  • Extremely violent, severe, ferocious or savage.
    • A fierce storm battered the coast.
  • Resolute or strenuously active.
    • We made a fierce attempt to escape.
  • Threatening in appearance or demeanor.
    • The lion gave a fierce roar.
  • (slang, Ireland, rural) very, excellent.
    • It was fierce cold.
    Q: "How was the party last night?" A: "Fierce !"
  • (slang, US) Of exceptional quality, exhibiting boldness or chutzpah.
    • Tyra said to strike a pose and make it fierce .

    Derived terms

    * something fierce

    Anagrams

    *

    cruel

    English

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Not nice; mean; heartless.
    • The supervisor was very cruel to Josh, as he would always give Josh the hardest, most degrading work he could find.
  • (slang) Cool; awesome; neat.

    • Synonyms

    * brutal * sadistic * vicious

    Antonyms

    * merciful

    Derived terms

    * cruelly

    Related terms

    * crude * crudeness * cruelty

    Verb

  • To spoil or ruin (one's chance of success)

    • External links

    * *

    Anagrams

    * * ----