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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aggressive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aggressive are assertive, militant, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

When is assertive a more appropriate choice than aggressive?

Although the words assertive and aggressive have much in common, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

In what contexts can militant take the place of aggressive?

In some situations, the words militant and aggressive are roughly equivalent. However, militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

Where would self-assertive be a reasonable alternative to aggressive?

The words self-assertive and aggressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

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 aggressive The idea that Watkins was an enabler of Gein’s murders and subsequent desecrations could be read merely as a part of the show’s aggressive and admitted mingling of fiction and reality. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025 The aggressive recruitment campaign targeted key figures including Andrew Tulloch, Murati’s co-founder and a machine-learning expert who previously worked at Meta for over a decade. Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 The Administration is working hard to clean up Joe Biden’s economic disaster with an aggressive pro-growth agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 For years, gamers have criticized EA’s lack of innovation and aggressive monetization tactics. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive
Adjective
  • The Russian president struck an unusually combative tone, issuing stark warnings of potential retaliation over Western support for Ukraine and NATO expansion.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In a phone interview Thursday with Fox News Digital, Higby explained the group was sitting and having conversations with nearby protesters when a woman approached him and started being combative.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Alas, The Get Down — his pricey, highly ambitious series about the rise of hip-hop in New York’s South Bronx neighborhood — got the axe after just one gloriously glitzy season.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
  • Also on October 31 is the screening and panel for the HBO Original comedy series I Love LA, created by director, EP and star Sennott that revolves around an ambitious friend group that navigates life and love in the City of Angels.
    The Deadline Team, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While Memphis has seen high numbers of violent crimes such as homicides and carjackings in recent years, Democratic and Republican officials have noted decreases this year in some crime categories.
    Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Even so, to take on one of the most famous women in history — and through a lens so bloody and violent — is a mighty tall order.
    Shirley Halperin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tampa is heading into a hostile environment against a feisty Seattle Seahawks team that matches them with a 3-1 record.
    Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Republicans, traditionally seen as more hostile to government, are often viewed as the shutdown aggressors.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Auberge continues expanding into urban markets and deepening its European presence, the challenge will be maintaining that fierce independence at scale.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Rescuers are struggling to reach at least 200 hikers trapped in a Mount Everest valley by an unexpectedly fierce weekend snowstorm that pounded the mountain with snow and heavy rain, according to Chinese state media CCTV.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ivory™ Camellia is a vigorous grower, maturing to a height of six to eight feet tall and spreading five to seven feet wide.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • And that’s what keeps you vigorous and engaged.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • China began conducting the contentious patrols after a February 2024 accident in which two Chinese fishermen drowned near Kinmen while fleeing from Taiwan’s coast guard.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Appointing James Bunce as performance director, having worked with him before at Monaco, was arguably the best decision of Mitchell’s short — and contentious — tenure.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As such, the political and militant body – which has governed the territory since June 2007 – will need to be in a desperate situation to accept the terms.
    Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Trump’s peace plan has backed Hamas into a corner, leaving the militant group to face an existential dilemma.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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