English Antonyms for Hostility and Brutality Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

ambush (noun) /ˈambʊʃ/
Definition: A surprise attack or an act of lying in wait to catch someone off guard.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ambush.
Options: assault; attack; ensnare; direct confrontation
Answer: direct confrontation
Example sentence: "The detective suspected an ambush during the undercover operation."

assail (verb) /əˈseɪl/
Definition: To attack someone or something physically or verbally, often with the intention of causing harm or damage.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of assail.
Options: abuse; berate; blast; defend
Answer: defend
Example sentence: "Harsh criticism will often assail a politician's controversial decisions."

assault (noun) /əˈsɔlt/
Definition: A physical attack or act of violence carried out against another person.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of assault.
Options: abuse; aggression; attack; defense
Answer: defense
Example sentence: "The survivor of the assault showed immense courage in sharing their story."

bellicose (adjective) /ˈbɛlɪkəʊs/
Definition: Demonstrating confrontational behavior and eagerness or willingness to quarrel, fight or go to war.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of bellicose.
Options: adversarial; aggressive; antagonistic; peaceful
Answer: peaceful
Example sentence: "The bellicose tone of the letter made it clear that the writer was angry."

bludgeon (verb) /ˈblʌʤən/
Definition: To strike someone or something repeatedly and violently with a blunt object, typically with the intention to injure or kill.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of bludgeon.
Options: attack; batter; beat; caress
Answer: caress
Example sentence: "If you bludgeon the dough too much, it will lose its fluffiness."

brandish (verb) /ˈbrændɪʃ/
Definition: To wave or shake something in a threatening or dramatic manner, typically a weapon or an object that is intended to be used as a weapon.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of brandish.
Options: display; exhibit; expose; conceal
Answer: conceal
Example sentence: "She would often brandish her camera to capture the perfect shot."

browbeat (verb) /ˈbraʊbiːt/
Definition: To intimidate or bully someone through constant criticism or verbal abuse.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of browbeat.
Options: bulldoze; domineer; goad; encourage
Answer: encourage
Example sentence: "She didn't let anyone browbeat her into changing her opinion."

brutality (noun) /bruːˈtalɪti/
Definition: The quality or state of being extremely cruel, violent, and inhumane in one's actions or behavior.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of brutality.
Options: atrocity; barbarism; barbarity; kindness
Answer: kindness
Example sentence: "The movie depicted the brutality of war in vivid detail."

carnage (noun) /ˈkɑːnɪdʒ/
Definition: The killing of a large number of people or animals, often in a brutal and violent manner.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of carnage.
Options: bloodbath; death; devastation; peace
Answer: peace
Example sentence: "The storm left a trail of destruction and carnage in its wake."

combative (adjective) /kəmˈbatɪv/
Definition: Aggressive, argumentative, or confrontational in behavior or attitude.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of combative.
Options: aggressive; argumentative; bellicose; peaceful
Answer: peaceful
Example sentence: "He was known for his combative approach to negotiations."

decapitate (verb) /dɪˈkapɪteɪt/
Definition: To cut off the head from the body, usually with a sharp instrument such as a sword or a guillotine.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of decapitate.
Options: amputate; behead; chop; reattach
Answer: reattach
Example sentence: "Historically, people used the guillotine to decapitate criminals."

ferocious (adjective) /fɪˈrəʊʃəs/
Definition: Marked by extreme and often intense aggressiveness, violence, or wildness.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ferocious.
Options: brutish; frightful; merciless; gentle
Answer: gentle
Example sentence: "Her ferocious determination led her to win the gold medal."

foment (verb) /fə(ʊ)ˈmɛnt/
Definition: To promote, incite, or encourage undesirable actions, feelings, or behaviors, typically with the intent of stirring up discord, unrest, or controversy.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of foment.
Options: agitate; arouse; encourage; quell
Answer: quell
Example sentence: "Social media can be a platform to foment both positive and negative movements."

fusillade (noun) /ˈfyu səˌleɪd/
Definition: A rapid and continuous discharge of gunfire or a series of intense and successive attacks or blows.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of fusillade.
Options: barrage; blitz; deluge; ceasefire
Answer: ceasefire
Example sentence: "The journalist faced a fusillade of difficult questions during the press conference."

gangster (noun) /ˈgæŋ stər/
Definition: An individual, typically associated with organized crime, who engages in illicit and often violent activities for personal gain or as a member of a criminal organization.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of gangster.
Options: criminal; crook; goon; law-abider
Answer: law-abider
Example sentence: "The gangster's reputation for violence and ruthlessness preceded him wherever he went."

garrote (verb) /gəˈrɒt/
Definition: To strangle or kill someone by tightening a cord or wire around their neck, often from behind.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of garrote.
Options: asphyxiate; choke; overpower; release
Answer: release
Example sentence: "You should never attempt to garrote anyone, as it is a violent and illegal act."

harassment (noun) /ˈhærəsmənt/
Definition: The act of persistently or repeatedly subjecting someone to unwanted, intrusive, or intimidating behavior, typically with the intention of causing distress, fear, or harm.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of harassment.
Options: abuse; aggression; bullying; support
Answer: support
Example sentence: "The law protects individuals from various forms of harassment and abuse."

hatred (noun) /ˈheɪ trɪd/
Definition: Extreme aversion, deep-seated animosity, and a strong desire for harm or destruction towards a person, group, or concept.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of hatred.
Options: animosity; animus; antipathy; love
Answer: love
Example sentence: "Hatred between the feuding families had lasted for generations, tearing apart the community."

hector (verb) /ˈhɛktə/
Definition: To bully or intimidate someone, usually through aggressive or blustering behavior.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of hector.
Options: badger; browbeat; dominate; encourage
Answer: encourage
Example sentence: "His boss would often hector him, making his work environment very stressful."

hostile (adjective) /ˈhɒstʌɪl/
Definition: Unfriendly, antagonistic, or marked by opposition and aggression.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of hostile.
Options: adversarial; adverse; aggressive; friendly
Answer: friendly
Example sentence: "She watched him with hostile eyes, clearly not appreciating the joke."

immolate (verb) /ˈɪməˌleɪt/
Definition: To offer or sacrifice someone or something, often by setting it on fire as a religious or ritualistic offering.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of immolate.
Options: blaze; burn; combust; preserve
Answer: preserve
Example sentence: "The cult believed they must immolate a chosen follower to gain favor."

impale (verb) /ɪmˈpeɪl/
Definition: To pierce or thrust a pointed object through something or someone, usually with great force.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of impale.
Options: gore; lance; penetrate; remove
Answer: remove
Example sentence: "Don't run with that pencil; you could accidentally impale someone with it!"

incite (verb) /ɪnˈsʌɪt/
Definition: To encourage or instigate someone to do something, especially something that is harmful or illegal.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of incite.
Options: foment; goad; inflame; discourage
Answer: discourage
Example sentence: "Teachers should not incite hostility among the students."

lambast (verb) /læmˈbeɪst/
Definition: To harshly criticize, condemn, or reprimand someone or something.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of lambast.
Options: assail; attack; berate; praise
Answer: praise
Example sentence: "The teacher had to lambast the student for not following the classroom rules."

malevolent (adjective) /məˈlɛv ə lənt/
Definition: Having or showing a desire to cause harm or evil to others.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of malevolent.
Options: baleful; cruel; hateful; benevolent
Answer: benevolent
Example sentence: "The malevolent intent behind their actions was evident in their ruthless behavior."

malicious (adjective) /məˈlɪʃəs/
Definition: Characterized by the intent to harm, hurt, or cause suffering to others, often without justification or provocation.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of malicious.
Options: baleful; bitter; cruel; benevolent
Answer: benevolent
Example sentence: "Malicious software can compromise your computer's security."

marauding (adjective) /məˈrɔːdɪŋ/
Definition: Moving through an area in a violent and destructive manner, typically with the intent to loot, pillage, or cause harm.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of marauding.
Options: depredation; despoliation; looting; protecting
Answer: protecting
Example sentence: "They transformed into marauding Vikings, their eyes lit with an insatiable hunger for conquest."

massacre (noun) /ˈmasəkə/
Definition: A brutal and indiscriminate killing of a large number of people, often in a violent and sudden manner.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of massacre.
Options: annihilation; bloodbath; carnage; protect
Answer: protect
Example sentence: "The survivor of the massacre shared their harrowing story."

mayhem (noun) /ˈmeɪhɛm/
Definition: A state of violent and chaotic disorder, often characterized by widespread destruction and confusion.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of mayhem.
Options: anarchy; bedlam; chaos; order
Answer: order
Example sentence: "The car accident caused mayhem on the busy highway, with vehicles piled up and traffic at a standstill."

melee (noun) /ˈmɛleɪ/
Definition: A chaotic or confused fight or brawl involving a large number of people or things.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of melee.
Options: affray; altercation; broil; harmony
Answer: harmony
Example sentence: "The melee of voices in the crowded marketplace made it difficult to navigate through the stalls."

menace (noun) /ˈmɛnɪs/
Definition: A person, thing, or situation that poses a threat, danger, or potential harm to others or to the general well-being of a community or society.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of menace.
Options: annoyance; hazard; jeopardy; safeguard
Answer: safeguard
Example sentence: "The serial killer was a menace to society, leaving a trail of fear and destruction."

oppression (noun) /əˈprɛʃ ən/
Definition: The act or state of subjecting individuals or groups to unjust and cruel treatment, control, or domination.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of oppression.
Options: bondage; coercion; control; freedom
Answer: freedom
Example sentence: "She found solace in art, using it as a means to express her experiences of oppression."

outburst (noun) /ˈaʊtˌbɜrst/
Definition: A sudden and intense display of emotion, usually characterized by unrestrained and impulsive behavior.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of outburst.
Options: burst; commotion; eruption; calm
Answer: calm
Example sentence: "He couldn't control his outburst of frustration after the game."

overthrow (verb) /ˌoʊ vərˈθroʊ/
Definition: To forcefully remove or topple a person or a group from a position of power, authority, or control.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of overthrow.
Options: defeat; depose; dethrone; establish
Answer: establish
Example sentence: "The general led a coup to overthrow the dictator."

persecute (verb) /ˈpəːsɪkjuːt/
Definition: To subject someone to hostility or ill-treatment, often because of their race, religion, or political beliefs.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of persecute.
Options: beset; bother; harass; support
Answer: support
Example sentence: "The group was known to persecute minority communities."

psychopath (noun) /ˈsʌɪkəpaθ/
Definition: Someone who lacks empathy and remorse, and who displays impulsive and antisocial behavior.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of psychopath.
Options: amoral; deviant; disturbed; empath
Answer: empath
Example sentence: "Understanding the mind of a psychopath is a complex and challenging task."

pummel (verb) /ˈpʌml/
Definition: To repeatedly strike someone or something with great force and intensity.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pummel.
Options: batter; beat; bludgeon; heal
Answer: heal
Example sentence: "He used a mallet to pummel the stubborn nail into place."

rampage (noun) /ˈrampeɪdʒ/
Definition: A wild and uncontrollable outburst of destructive or violent behavior.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of rampage.
Options: amok; berserk; binge; calm
Answer: calm
Example sentence: "After losing the game, the fans went on a rampage in the city streets."

ruthless (adjective) /ˈruːθləs/
Definition: Marked by a complete lack of compassion, empathy, or remorse when it comes to achieving goals or dealing with others.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ruthless.
Options: ferocious; fierce; harsh; compassionate
Answer: compassionate
Example sentence: "The movie portrays a ruthless gangster who will stop at nothing to maintain his criminal empire."

sadist (noun) sadist/ˈseɪdɪst/
Definition: A person who derives pleasure from causing pain or distress to others.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of sadist.
Options: aggressor; brute; butcher; empath
Answer: empath
Example sentence: "A true sadist gains satisfaction from inflicting both physical and emotional pain."

savage (adjective) /ˈsavɪdʒ/
Definition: Extremely violent or brutal, characterized by a lack of restraint or mercy.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of savage.
Options: barbarous; beastly; bloody; civilized
Answer: civilized
Example sentence: "The mob's actions turned into a savage rampage."

thrash (verb) /θræʃ /
Definition: To beat or strike repeatedly, usually with a stick or whip, as a form of punishment or discipline.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of thrash.
Options: beat; buffet; flail; soothe
Answer: soothe
Example sentence: "Please, no more!" he pleads, but they thrash him, unmoved by his cries."

thug (noun) /θʌg/
Definition: An individual who engages in violent and criminal behavior, often as a member of an organized gang or criminal network.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of thug.
Options: brute; bully; criminal; law-abider
Answer: law-abider
Example sentence: "The police apprehended the group of thugs responsible for the series of burglaries."

truculent (adjective) /ˈtrʌkjʊlənt/
Definition: Aggressively defiant, belligerent, or inclined to engage in confrontations or conflicts.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of truculent.
Options: antagonistic; bellicose; belligerent; friendly
Answer: friendly
Example sentence: "It was a truculent speech, full of vitriol and criticism."

vicious (adjective) /ˈvɪʃəs/
Definition: Marked by extreme cruelty, brutality, or a propensity for causing harm.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of vicious.
Options: barbarous; brutal; dangerous; kind
Answer: kind
Example sentence: "The gang's reputation for violence was truly vicious."

virulent (adjective) /ˈvɪrʊl(ə)nt/
Definition: Extremely potent, harmful, or infectious, particularly in the context of diseases, toxins, or hostile ideologies.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of virulent.
Options: cruel; destructive; hateful; harmless
Answer: harmless
Example sentence: "The disease spread in a virulent manner, causing alarm in the community."