AGGRESSIVE Synonyms: 235 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'aggressive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aggressive are assertive , militant , and self-assertive . While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends. // aggressive in his business dealings

Q: When is 'assertive' a more appropriate choice than 'aggressive'?

Although the words assertive and aggressive have much in common, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion. // the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

Q: In what contexts can 'militant' take the place of 'aggressive'?

In some situations, the words militant and aggressive are roughly equivalent. However, militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle. // militant protesters rallied against the new law

Q: Where would 'self-assertive' be a reasonable alternative to 'aggressive'?

The words self-assertive and aggressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence. // a self-assertive young upstart

aggressive

adjective

ə-ˈgre-siv

Definition of aggressive next

as in combative

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight a kindergarten teacher who discourages aggressive behavior, like pushing, by rewarding those children who wait their turn

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ambitious

having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal if you don't take a more aggressive approach to this yard pretty soon, the weeds are going to take over completely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violent

marked by or uttered with forcefulness the team's game strategy depends on a very aggressive style of defense

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aggressive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aggressive are assertive, militant, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

When is assertive a more appropriate choice than aggressive?

Although the words assertive and aggressive have much in common, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

In what contexts can militant take the place of aggressive?

In some situations, the words militant and aggressive are roughly equivalent. However, militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

Where would self-assertive be a reasonable alternative to aggressive?

The words self-assertive and aggressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

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 aggressive Although satisfying, motorists are encouraged to not use their foot to kick the ice, as being too aggressive could knock out the weights used to balance wheels. —

Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Villa’s full-backs, Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash, were intense and aggressive. —

Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 The agency more than doubled its workforce last year, growing from about 10,000 to 22,000 officers and agents, and launched an aggressive recruitment drive that included signing bonuses and student loan repayment incentives. —

Nik Popli, Time, 26 Jan. 2026 But Norton has faced calls to step aside in recent months as residents and local lawmakers questioned her ability to effectively advocate for the city in Congress amid the Republican administration’s aggressive moves toward the city. —

Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive

Adjective

Bovino, 55, has been the face of the Minneapolis ICE operation in recent weeks, which has seen the shooting deaths of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti and 37-year-old mother of three Renee Good by federal agents — as well as the combative protests that followed.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
The final minutes of an enthralling, combative contest were played out in relative serenity.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Definition of combative

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aggressive

aggressively

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“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 1 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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