brute

Using strong physical power rather than careful thought or skill.

• He opened it with brute force.
• Moving the rock required brute strength.
• They relied on brute power to break through the gate.

Similar words: raw, sheer

Common phrases: brute force, brute strength, brute power

Describing animals as unable to think or reason like humans.

• The writer called them brute beasts.
• He believed brute animals acted only on instinct.
• The poem contrasts human thought with brute nature.

Similar words: unreasoning, irrational

Opposites: rational

Common phrases: brute beasts, brute animals, brute creation

Existing as physical matter or power, without thought, purpose, or feeling.

• He described the rocks as brute matter.
• The storm revealed the brute powers of nature.
• To her, the universe was more than brute material existence.

Similar words: inanimate, unthinking

Common phrases: brute matter, brute earth, brute powers

A rough, cruel person who hurts or frightens others.

• He is a cruel brute.
• That brute pushed an old woman aside.
• The guards were brutes who enjoyed frightening the prisoners.

Similar words: bully, thug, beast

Common phrases: cruel brute, heartless brute, behave like a brute

An animal, especially a large or powerful one.

• Keep that brute on a lead.
• The poor brute could barely pull the cart.
• Two great brutes stood inside the wooden enclosure.

Similar words: beast, animal

Common phrases: large brute, poor brute, wild brute