# viciously

**Pronunciation:** /ˈvɪʃəsli/ · VISH-us-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a cruel, violent, and aggressive manner.

## Examples

- He attacked the idea viciously, calling it foolish and dangerous.
- The storm raged viciously, tearing trees from the ground.
- She was criticized viciously online for her controversial remarks.

## Synonyms

- cruelly — Emphasizes lack of kindness or mercy.
- fiercely — Suggests intense, aggressive energy.
- savagely — Implies extreme, primitive brutality.

## Antonyms

- gently — Acting in a kind, mild, or tender way.
- kindly — In a friendly, generous, or considerate manner.
- benevolently — With goodwill and a desire to do good.

## Common patterns

- viciously attack — To verbally or physically assault someone or something in a cruel and violent way. — The journalist viciously attacked the government's new proposal.
- viciously criticize — To strongly and harshly find fault with someone or something. — The book was viciously criticized for its historical inaccuracies.
- viciously mock — To ridicule someone or something in a cruel and aggressive manner. — The comedian viciously mocked the celebrity's fashion sense.

## Collocations

- viciously attack — The politician was viciously attacked by the opposition for his policies.
- viciously criticize — The reviewer viciously criticized the film, giving it one star.
- viciously mock — He was viciously mocked by his classmates for his unusual hobby.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/viciously

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