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 The Greenland deal comes as European countries brace for possible aggression from Russia amid its war with Ukraine. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026 The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said it was triggered by years of Saudi aggression and blockade. — Mahad D. Darar, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026 Tarantula hawk wasp nests One of the primary triggers for tarantula hawk wasp aggression is encroachment into its territory. — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 The goal is less aggression and more transparency so people can actually enjoy the sights of the city. — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggression

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggression

Noun

Stunned at first by his opponent’s aggressiveness and the onslaught of personal attacks, Ted trains himself to withstand the barrages and to respond in kind.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

Avila said the attack left her with severe injuries to her arm and face, extensive scarring, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
His comments came days after the army chiefs of Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia met in Riyadh to discuss responses to Houthi attacks.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

The two sides reached an interim agreement in June and committed to trying to reach a final deal within 60 days, but the deadline passed after hostilities resumed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Rohingya have faced growing public hostility in Malaysia due to their growing numbers, fueled by concerns over jobs, public services and security.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Another suspect in the 2023 attacks, Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis, was jailed in Hungary for over a year following the assaults, resulting in a diplomatic dispute between Rome and Budapest over her treatment in detention.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Cotton also rejected an argument by Brown’s lawyers that jurors were biased because Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 domestic violence assault on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, was mentioned.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

Unlike under his family’s 54-year police state – where public defiance could mean prison, torture, disappearance or death – they were allowed to go home.

— Tala Alrajjal, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Her Easter Sunday performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 in front of 75,000 spectators remains a touchstone of defiance in an age of racial violence.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of defiance

Noun

However, further Houthi offensives have met stiffer resistance from the recuperated forces of the Presidential Leadership Council, depriving the group of another quick victory.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Observers say Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a ground offensive aimed at preventing the Houthis from consolidating their gains on the Red Sea coast and reversing the tide.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 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

Another sanctioned defendant, Aslhy Javier Galeano Basurto, has also been charged in Nebraska with conspiring to provide material support to Tren de Aragua and other offenses.

— Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
But while his positive plays are the ones that rightfully garner all the attention, Purdy’s ability to avoid the negative plays with the rest of the offense is topping the charts.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of offense

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aggregations

aggression

aggressions

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“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggression. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of aggression

noun

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