aggression

noun

ə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce aggression (audio)
Definition of aggressionnext
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

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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 Boys may exhibit more anger and aggression, whereas girls might demonstrate sadness, depression and self-harm. — Nikki R Wooten, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 Much of the aggression has been levelled at the directors, including threats from Israel to revoke their citizenship. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 Jokic increased his aggression as a scorer, taking a whopping four shots from the field this time. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026 That was my first time experiencing that kind of racial aggression. — Kati Weis, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggression
  1. aggressiveness
  2. attack
  3. hostility
  4. assault
  5. defiance
  6. offensive
  7. belligerence
  8. offense
Noun
  • Furthermore, CNNs are exceeding in disease detection and predicting disease aggressiveness and patient prognosis.
    — Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • So will the aggressiveness of the defender after giving up a rebound.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • The claim that Ukraine has halted its strikes on energy sites could not be independently verified, but neither Russian officials nor media have reported Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries since the energy truce was announced.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Before the current attacks, the airport handled roughly 110,000 passengers a day — similar in scale to Miami International airport.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • When a quarrel over an inheritance revives old hostilities, their relationship comes under pressure from greed and treachery in a conflict not of their making.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Grynkewich's remarks had followed a tense weekend between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow launching fresh strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Mace and Bryant were not yet engaged at the time of the October 2018 assault.
    — MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • On Tuesday, the DA’s Office charged Gonzalez with assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, elder abuse, vandalism and battery.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • Taking the Long Way, more than anger or defiance, zeroes in on the sting of being ousted from your own home.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The other half is captured in DuVernay’s fascinating portrait of the Lost Cause — the culture of defiance and regret and literal whitewashing that came to represent the Southern consciousness of what life had been before the Civil War.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of defiance
Noun
  • The trip is part of a broader European charm offensive for Nvidia, and one that comes with a hefty checkbook.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Defeating the Houthi rebels through a ground offensive involving Yemeni government forces seems highly unlikely.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of offensive
Noun
  • Trump's belligerence reinvigorated Canada's Liberal Party, with Mark Carney winning the April 2025 election to continue on as prime minister.
    — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Unfortunately, however, the warmth and love of the old pub-rocking 101’ers has been traded for a new aggression and belligerence.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of belligerence
Noun
  • Asked what the return of star freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley brought to the USC offense, Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava kept his answer simple.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • His value could be the difference for the Gators, opening up an offense that projects to run through one of the most dominant frontcourts in college basketball history.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of offense

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aggregations
aggression
aggressions
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Cite this Entry

“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggression. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aggression

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aggression

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