as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the dominant male wolf was able to withstand the belligerence of younger challengers
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Recent Examples of belligerence
From top to bottom, this administration embodies the perversity, ignorance and belligerence of its leader.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Israel’s belligerence is another complicating factor.
—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Malcolm's daughter is struggling in life and school, but her father's genetic toolkit only has belligerence, impulsiveness and thickheadedness, passed on by his on-screen parents.
—
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
But the real change might be in East Asia, where Kim’s belligerence and rising fears regarding China’s designs on self-ruling Taiwan had already reenergized the nuclear debate.
—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for belligerence
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Israel’s belligerence is another complicating factor.
—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Malcolm's daughter is struggling in life and school, but her father's genetic toolkit only has belligerence, impulsiveness and thickheadedness, passed on by his on-screen parents.
—
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
But the real change might be in East Asia, where Kim’s belligerence and rising fears regarding China’s designs on self-ruling Taiwan had already reenergized the nuclear debate.
—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for belligerence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerence
Noun
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Several Gulf countries have strongly denounced Iran's drone strikes Saturday on the island nation of Bahrain, while vowing to stand united against any possible aggression from Tehran in the future.
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And the specter of Russian military aggression has spurred much talk of pouring money into defense instead.
Noun
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Dillon Thieneman’s speed Since draft night in April, Thieneman has been lauded for his combination of speed, instincts and aggressiveness.
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This is a lineup structured to thrive with a small-ball approach — high batting average, chaos and aggressiveness on the basepaths, and manufacturing runs.
Noun
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The accord called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon.
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The memorandum of understanding calls for an end to all hostilities, including in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been fighting Hezbollah.
Cite this Entry
“Belligerence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerence. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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