brute
12 synonyms for brute, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A rough, violent, or unthinking person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A rough, violent, or unthinking person.
“The bouncer looked like a brute, but he was actually gentle and soft-spoken.”
How to use brute
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
brute force
brute strength
a brute of a man
Etymology
From Latin brutus (\"dull, stupid, insensible\"), the same root behind \"brutal\" and \"brutish.\"
Full origin of brute →Frequently asked questions
What does “brute” mean?
The word “brute” means a rough, violent, or unthinking person. In plain terms, a crude, animal-like force or person, with no intelligence or finesse involved.
How do you pronounce “brute”?
“Brute” is pronounced broot (/bɹut/ in IPA).
How do you use “brute” in a sentence?
Here is “brute” used in a sentence: “The bouncer looked like a brute, but he was actually gentle and soft-spoken.”
What part of speech is “brute”?
Depending on how it is used, “brute” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “brute” come from?
The word “brute” comes from Latin. From Latin brutus (\"dull, stupid, insensible\"), the same root behind \"brutal\" and \"brutish.\".
Is “brute” a common word?
“Brute” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brute” have?
“Brute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rough, violent, or unthinking person.
