savagery
noun
sav·age·ry
ˈsa-vi-jə-rē 
ˈsa-vij-rē
plural savageries
1
a
: the quality of being savage
b
: an act of cruelty or violence
2
: an uncivilized state
Examples of savagery in a Sentence
The savagery of the attack was horrifying.
an act of pure savagery
the savageries committed by the soldiers
Recent Examples on the Web
After the war, in sober reflection, the United States helped lead a global effort to try to tame the savagery of conflict and, in particular, to shield civilians.
—
Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Its deep psychological and philosophical meditations on civilization and savagery, religion and spirituality, man’s relationship with himself and others, and his connection with the land are dense at times but always rewarding.
—The Know, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Lewis makes Allegra a horny scamp, and Olyphant’s Pete, the group ringleader, has a svelte savagery.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Some of the worst savagery took place in the Philippines, after the United States acquired it in 1898.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for savagery
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Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Its deep psychological and philosophical meditations on civilization and savagery, religion and spirituality, man’s relationship with himself and others, and his connection with the land are dense at times but always rewarding.
—The Know, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Lewis makes Allegra a horny scamp, and Olyphant’s Pete, the group ringleader, has a svelte savagery.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Some of the worst savagery took place in the Philippines, after the United States acquired it in 1898.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for savagery
Cite this Entry
“Savagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savagery. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
savagery
noun
sav·age·ry
ˈsav-ij-(ə-)rē
plural savageries
1
: savage disposition or action : cruelty
2
: the state of being savage
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