1
as in combative
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
a kindergarten teacher who discourages aggressive behavior, like pushing, by rewarding those children who wait their turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambitious
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal
if you don't take a more aggressive approach to this yard pretty soon, the weeds are going to take over completely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in violent
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
the team's game strategy depends on a very aggressive style of defense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aggressive
Although satisfying, motorists are encouraged to not use their foot to kick the ice, as being too aggressive could knock out the weights used to balance wheels.
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Villa’s full-backs, Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash, were intense and aggressive.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The agency more than doubled its workforce last year, growing from about 10,000 to 22,000 officers and agents, and launched an aggressive recruitment drive that included signing bonuses and student loan repayment incentives.
—Nik Popli, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
But Norton has faced calls to step aside in recent months as residents and local lawmakers questioned her ability to effectively advocate for the city in Congress amid the Republican administration’s aggressive moves toward the city.
—Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Villa’s full-backs, Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash, were intense and aggressive.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The agency more than doubled its workforce last year, growing from about 10,000 to 22,000 officers and agents, and launched an aggressive recruitment drive that included signing bonuses and student loan repayment incentives.
—Nik Popli, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
But Norton has faced calls to step aside in recent months as residents and local lawmakers questioned her ability to effectively advocate for the city in Congress amid the Republican administration’s aggressive moves toward the city.
—Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive
Adjective
-
These books about distinctly private and often erotic events have recently gained a more political and combative edge.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
And so not being so combative when people are speaking, but just being accepting of it and learning how to learn from each other.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Give me 5 versions, each more ambitious than the last.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
In a packed session, Tesla's CEO outlined an ambitious vision for robotaxis, humanoid robots, and AI development.—
Spriha Srivastava,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Safavi said the blackout coincided with violent confrontations in several regions.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Parallel societies in certain urban areas and rising violent crime statistics linked to some migrant cohorts in countries such as Sweden and Germany led to the dramatic rise of populist and patriotic parties across the continent, from France to Italy to the Netherlands.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
America’s allies in Europe – wary of further Russian aggression, shouldering the burden of backing Ukraine and facing an increasingly hostile world order – have come to the same realization.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Still, Paramount's hostile bid could complicate that timeline.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Competition remains fierce in the Charlotte region to grab a piece of the lucrative grocery market share.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
-
But long before the fire destroyed a broad section of the San Gabriel Valley community, a small but fierce army of people devoted themselves to others who were without a home.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Federal guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Preliminary research released by the American Academy of Neurology in February also found a link between regularly getting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and a lower risk of developing dementia.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The legal battles and war of words between local and federal officials have mirrored the contentious scene on the ground in the state.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In the midst of a contentious sale to Netflix, the 102-year-old studio had its best Oscar nominations mornings ever, with 33 total nods.—
JAKE COYLE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Israel and the Lebanese militant group exchanged fire for over a year before reaching a ceasefire in November 2024.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Iran has been plagued for years by staggering hyperinflation, fueled by Western sanctions imposed over the hardline clerical government's nuclear program and backing for militant groups across the region.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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