Synonyms

fiercely

American

[feers-lee] / ˈfɪərs li /

adverb

in a menacing, violent, or forceful way.

The bear stood on his back paws, growling fiercely.
Currently, some 20 wildfires are raging fiercely through the state.
in an eager or intense way.

Isaiah has developed into a fiercely competitive soccer player.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of fiercely

fierce ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing fiercely

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also fiercely criticized Raman for opposing a law barring homeless encampments next to schools.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Napoleon’s reasons for reimposing slavery in Guadeloupe in 1802 and attempting to do so in Saint-Domingue are fiercely debated by historians.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

It was such disappointment for a fiercely loyal set of fans to watch this season fizzle away to relegation.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The protections were fiercely opposed by top consumers of the fish, led by Japan.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Mr. Ware leaps out of his chair and shakes my hand fiercely.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023