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

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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 Summoning Okert instead exemplifies the aggression synonymous with Joe Espada’s three-year tenure as Astros manager. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Doué’s aggression drew a penalty, which allowed Mbappé to score on a penalty kick, giving him seven goals for the tournament and 19 all time, the second-most in World Cup history behind only Lionel Messi, who currently has 20. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 4 July 2026 Adult males go through musth, a periodic condition that heightens their aggression. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 Although rabies is characterized in media as causing unchecked fury, agitation and aggression are just two symptoms. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 2 July 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. fight
  8. offense
Noun
  • No matter how much confidence and aggressiveness Zverev is playing with, the final is still Sinner’s to lose.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Cannon breaks down the accountability, aggressiveness and the perspective needed to play effective defense after the team’s reset week.
    — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • This appears to be one of Kyiv's deepest attacks on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • Iranian state television said the tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • The Art, Not Science, of Leadership Ultimately, the hostility toward dual-class shares reflects a broader cultural shift in how many good governance advocates view corporate leadership.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • Because that opposition is motivated in part by hostility to artificial intelligence.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Some potential charges include incitement to riot, vandalism, theft and assault.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Depending on the circumstances, charges could include incitement to riot, vandalism, theft, assault, reckless driving, unlawful assembly, conspiracy and other offenses, police said.
    — Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 July 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • Additionally, occasional rule-breaking and defiance are considered a normal part of child and adolescent development.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • The funeral was also used to project defiance, with thousands of mourners filling Tehran and chanting for revenge.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of defiance
Noun
  • Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 73,098 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Ancelotti’s charm offensive is clearly working its magic on his players and the public.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of offensive
Noun
  • Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Away from fight sports, this past month has seen three players competing at the men’s World Cup who are facing active investigations or have been charged with rape.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • Instead of lamenting that starting pitcher Reid Detmers had a bad game and the offense did nothing, which seemed to be the story for the first six innings, the Angels came to life with five runs in the seventh.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • Many of those convicted committed only minor offenses, such as traffic violations, according to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.
    — Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aggression

Nglish: Translation of aggression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aggression

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