1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversial
given to arguing
a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scrappy
Even reliable closer Easton Hawk gave up a final RBI in the bottom of the eighth, preventing UCLA from building momentum from a scrappy eighth inning.
—
Brady Oltmans, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The scrappy winger then curled in a cross toward the rear-center of the box.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Her roots in editorial taught her to be scrappy, resourceful, and detail-obsessed, qualities that continue to anchor her work.
—Essence, 18 June 2025
Alas, the team that has spent the better part of a decade playing the part of scrappy and inspiring underdog seems to be trying on a new costume: the rather boring middle-of-the-pack team.
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Brady Oltmans, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The scrappy winger then curled in a cross toward the rear-center of the box.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Her roots in editorial taught her to be scrappy, resourceful, and detail-obsessed, qualities that continue to anchor her work.
—Essence, 18 June 2025
Alas, the team that has spent the better part of a decade playing the part of scrappy and inspiring underdog seems to be trying on a new costume: the rather boring middle-of-the-pack team.
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
Adjective
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Maritz has been aggressive in challenges and positive with pushing forward into attack.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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With that in mind, it's expected the Dodgers will be very aggressive at the trade deadline.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Delegates avoided any controversial subjects that might trigger Washington’s ire, analysts said.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
6 July 2025
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The timing coincides with Iran's controversial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reports of major internet disruptions across the country, suggesting ongoing tensions and potential preparations for future diplomatic or military developments.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the war's end, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant group's destruction.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
arkansasonline.com,
6 July 2025
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The Israeli leader has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, but it is thought that this is something that the militant group has so far refused to discuss.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Hearing From The Other Side Like most important aspects of life, there are two sides to this contentious coin.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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One of the more contentious aspects of passing the bill was what to do with the cap on state and local tax deductions, or the SALT cap.—
Alicia Adamczyk,
Fortune,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Guzman’s book was used as a common reader by several universities in 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about the often hostile, partisan gaps that have roiled many campuses in recent years.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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In the five years since the events of Jurassic World Dominion, many of the dinosaurs and other formerly extinct creatures that were set free into the world have died off, unable to survive in the modern climate and otherwise hostile environments.—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.—
Roger Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Hugs and lots of mama licks are just what feisty and furious baby needs!—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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There are several new characters as well, such as David’s feisty grandmother (an amusing Amy Hill, another veteran of the franchise) and Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance), a federal agent attempting to track down Stitch.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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