aggressor

Definition of aggressornext
as in invader
one that starts armed conflict against another especially without reasonable cause a group of smaller states had formed an alliance to deter potential aggressors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of aggressor Witnesses at trial who were in the tent described Anthony as the aggressor. ABC News, 9 June 2026 Most prosecution witnesses said Anthony was the aggressor in the fight that preceded the stabbing. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 8 June 2026 Up to that point, only female singers expressed orgasms in their music, and male singers were typically aggressors. Ahmir “questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 Officers at the scene viewed the Costco parking lot video recording, and several witnesses reported that Ferraro was the aggressor. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggressor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressor
Noun
  • That triggers the development of antibodies — immune system proteins that fight off foreign invaders — that quickly learn to identify and attack alpha-gal sugar molecules.
    Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • That triggers the development of antibodies — immune system proteins that fight off foreign invaders — that quickly learn to identify and attack alpha-gal sugar molecules.
    Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • The alpha heroes of 1980s romances—ranch owners, corporate raiders, anyone played by Michael Douglas—tended to be emotionally constipated anti-feminists intent on dominating the opposite sex by using testosterone and wads of cash.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
  • In 1983, corporate raider Carl Icahn wanted to buy oil giant Phillips 66 but didn’t have the money.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The attacker leads the Norway squad but will be assisted, probably quite literally, by Arsenal playmaker Martin Ødegaard.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
  • After Skrepetsky fell to the ground, the attacker reportedly walked closer and fired two more times.
    Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressor. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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