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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 Given that her cancer was hormone-fed — estrogen positive, progesterone positive, and HER2 positive — Shahi required immediate aggressive treatment. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Beginning this summer, Meta embarked on an aggressive hiring spree to recruit top AI talent to close the gap with OpenAI and other AI startups, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly has grown frustrat ed with the company’s AI standing. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 The longtime Homeland Security official spearheaded the immigration enforcement crackdown in Los Angeles and is seen as directing the agents' aggressive tactics in Chicago. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 This time, Netflix’s movie group wanted to take charge, but Blumhouse was more aggressive, loving the idea of a world where children can see monsters, but adults cannot. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive
Adjective
  • In contrast to Newsom, Lurie has taken a far less combative approach to Trump since taking office in January.
    Kate Rogers, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The slips added a subtle layer of tension to an already combative night.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The ambitious approach to the series featured the first-ever open-world campaign, and 343 Industries had plans to regularly add to it for years with story DLC, split-screen co-op (which it was supposed to launch with), and more.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • An ambitious journey Construction began in 2019 but faced several delays due to its intricate design and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Once again, the debate in the book is not over whether or not people should be violent.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As a result, many legends are connected to its violent past, and its dungeon, in particular, is said to be haunted by tortured souls.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Afghan refugees like him await their asylum decisions in an increasingly hostile climate marked by ICE raids and deportations.
    Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The rebound in corporate profitability was largely helped by Beijing’s policies aimed at curtailing fierce price competition across industrial sectors, at a time when deflation in producer prices stretched into its third year.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The eyewall generally produces the fiercest winds and heaviest rainfall, according to Deanna Hence, a professor of climate, meteorology and atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
    NPR, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The saddle is typical of the period and would have been used for both pleasure riding and vigorous pursuits such as fox hunting, Brown said.
    Jennifer Brett, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Separate the parent plant into pieces with three to five vigorous shoots each and a healthy supply of roots.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The close, caring but contentious relationships among the three Williams women constitute some of the new season’s greatest pleasures.
    Judy Berman, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The filibuster remains a contentious fixture, shaping negotiations and highlighting deep divisions in Congress.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In the militant revanche of the late Putin era, men are men, women are women, and the men are in charge.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Pakistan has long accused Kabul of harboring the Pakistani Taliban militant group (known as the TTP), which its Afghan namesake denies.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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