1
as in aggressiveness
an inclination to fight or quarrel
though the dogs have a reputation for aggression, many of their owners insist they make gentle pets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
diplomats warned that any aggression by either side could easily turn into a full-scale war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 aggression
During the 20th and 21st centuries, aircraft came to play increasingly important roles in determining the outcome of battles as well as being deterrents to aggression.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Kolkata continued to follow the template of teams choosing to field first after winning the toss in its first home game of the season, but Sharma and Head showed plenty of aggression against the pace of Vaibhav Arora (2-47) and Blessing Muzarabani (4-41).
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Sullivan and Hafley value mental toughness, aggression, physicality and locker room leadership over speed and entertainment value.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
At present, as America's military aggression and assault continue with full force, all our efforts and resources are devoted to defending Iran's very existence.
—Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Kolkata continued to follow the template of teams choosing to field first after winning the toss in its first home game of the season, but Sharma and Head showed plenty of aggression against the pace of Vaibhav Arora (2-47) and Blessing Muzarabani (4-41).
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Sullivan and Hafley value mental toughness, aggression, physicality and locker room leadership over speed and entertainment value.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
At present, as America's military aggression and assault continue with full force, all our efforts and resources are devoted to defending Iran's very existence.
—Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggression
Noun
-
Colorado’s aggressiveness with trading away draft picks and prospects to help the NHL club’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup has often left the organization’s pipeline thin, but also provides opportunities for undrafted players like Logan O’Connor and Sam Malinski to earn chances and thrive.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Frost have played well with aggressiveness and their speed on the ice all season.—
Theodore Tollefson,
Twin Cities,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Riverside County Department of Animal Services officials are seeking help from the public in locating a pair of dogs that were recently involved in an attack on a wild burro, part of a series of attacks on the creatures dating back to late 2025.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
His two-run single helped Andrew go up 5-0 after the first, and his versatility is a key component of the Thunderbolts’ attack.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their defensive style can look like arrogance or hostility.—
Paul Sanchez Ruiz,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Out of such poverty comes hatred, resentment and a desire for revenge, and this cycle of hostility can continue for years.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Malek Daniels, 20, pleaded guilty Friday to voluntary manslaughter, armed criminal action and second-degree assault, according to a Jackson County plea and sentencing document.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Perez, 57 at the time of his 2020 arrest, was days away from release from Kern Valley State Prison where he had been held on a conviction of assault with intent to commit rape.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
North of the pavement, the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness holds a quieter terrain, where sunflower, ephedra and honey mesquite anchor the sand in subtle defiance of the wind.—
Josh Jackson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The call came as Tehran escalated its diplomatic defiance.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After the firing, Conway texted Chesky and Lehane demanding a public-relations offensive.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
He was whistled for a third offensive foul just before halftime.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The confrontation, which led to multiple 911 calls reporting a fight involving a firearm, resulted in the arrest of Ahmad Zeeshan.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The United States Powered Paragliding Association and Experimental Aircraft Association have written letters supporting the ultralight pilots in their fight against the county airport, as cited in the documents under review for the FAA’s upcoming decision.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Most people would agree that cheating and planning a school shooting are hardly equal offenses, and Borgli doesn't totally stick the landing by sweeping Emma's past impulses under the rug.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Her ability to stretch the floor added a new dimension to Missouri’s offense down the stretch, including a strong postseason showing.—
Aaron Segal,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggression. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
