Brute, maybe a strongman to some extent (5)
I believe the answer is:
beast
'brute' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'maybe a strongman to some extent' is the wordplay.
'to some extent' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'BEAST' is hidden in the letters of 'maybe a strongman'.
(Other definitions for beast that I've seen before include "Monster" , "beef?" , "Bully" , "Nasty type" , "Inhuman person" .)