1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scrappy
Thornton and Billings provide length on the perimeter while Martin and Hayes are scrappy defenders.
—
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Over its nearly two-dozen films and TV shows, the battle between the formidable Empire and the scrappy resistance has become not just a metaphor for the current crisis of the day, but a moral guidebook of how and when — and when not — to fight.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Being scrappy and making something out of nothing isn’t typically rewarded in the VC world.
—Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Fairchild is a scrappy competitor who is hard to move.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Over its nearly two-dozen films and TV shows, the battle between the formidable Empire and the scrappy resistance has become not just a metaphor for the current crisis of the day, but a moral guidebook of how and when — and when not — to fight.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Being scrappy and making something out of nothing isn’t typically rewarded in the VC world.
—Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Fairchild is a scrappy competitor who is hard to move.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
Adjective
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Even so, the aggressive play in this post-season has stood out.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
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However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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After the Oilers’ Evander Kane tied the game on a controversial goal, Hiller challenged the call, claiming goalie interference.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
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Long a controversial figure, Brand has fallen out of public grace amid reports of alleged rape and assaults.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the latest missile, but a spokesman for the militant group has said previous launches targeted military facilities in Israel.—
Tamar Michaelis,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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India may also take the stronger step of striking militant groups in Pakistan to satisfy the public’s demand for action.—
Michael Kugelman,
Time,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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In January, after Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni entered into a public and contentious legal battle, clips resurfaced online of Meester and Lively.—
Amy Kaufman,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
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Crawford says the meetings were contentious, but Ekard was always cordial yet firm.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Trump’s aggressive targeting of major law firms, many of which have advocated liberal policy positions and clients, also marks a striking new front in his second-term legal battles, as the administration pressures firms seen as politically hostile or unwilling to back its agenda.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 May 2025
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Leonard was good enough to practically claim Game 2 by himself in the hostile altitude.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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To attract colorful and feisty hummingbirds, keep their feeders full of nectar.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2025
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Couples must use this feisty, flirty energy to let loose together and have fun!—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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