AGGRESSION Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

aggression

noun

ə-ˈgre-shən

Definition of aggression

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

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 Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2024 that pledged mutual aid if either country faced aggression. — CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 End the war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq forever. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 The pact includes a mutual assistance provision if either country faces external aggression. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026 When physical aggression is directed at White players such as Cunningham or Caitlin Clark, commentators have repeatedly shown a willingness to search for explanations that soften the actions of the offending player. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggression

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggression

Noun

This could bring up feelings of resentment, competitiveness or passive aggressiveness, especially if there’s been something simmering in the background.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
The Angels swung early and often, and Cameron utilized their aggressiveness to his advantage.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

Kyiv has stepped up its attacks on Russia this year, with long-range missiles and swarms of drones targeting military industries and energy facilities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE earlier this year, the vast majority of which were intercepted, sparked tensions among locals and hammered the country's tourism and aviation industry.

— Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

The Soviet Union took them from Japan in the final days of World War II, and the dispute has kept the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their hostilities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were already at loggerheads over Syria, with Saudi Arabia backing the post-Assad regime and the UAE sharing Israel’s hostility to it, and Yemen, where Saudi Arabia had just driven out Emirati proxies.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

The judge dismissed a misdemeanor charge of simple assault against Kissinger, saying that there had been no bodily injury.

— Robert D. Mcfadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
In Hangzhou, the latest assault claims have seen multiple companies initiate internal accountability measures, according to political news outlet Guancha, while the official investigation is ongoing.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

The recent stock market advance has been impressive in its defiance of major concerns, as a bullish consensus takes shape on Wall Street.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
The device’s user manual also warns it should not be used in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture or horseplay.

— Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of defiance

Noun

Analysts say the Houthis appear to be mobilizing for an offensive that would aim to take more of the Red Sea coastline.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The former Missouri offensive lineman has spent time at both tackle spots during training camp and started at right tackle on Saturday.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

Delphine Boël, 58, eventually won her legal fight and was granted the title of princess.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Lopez has already expressed his ambition to face the winner of the Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn fight next, aiming for an undisputed 147-pound title.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Noun

The lack of offense was familiar, except for the aberration of Thursday night’s 18-run outburst against the Houston Astros.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026
Tua Tagovailoa has been in the spotlight, after starting last week and struggling through his first live opportunities with the offense.

— AJC Sports, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of offense

Browse Nearby Words

aggregations

aggression

aggressions

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“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggression. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of aggression

noun

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