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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 Given that her cancer was hormone-fed — estrogen positive, progesterone positive, and HER2 positive — Shahi required immediate aggressive treatment. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Beginning this summer, Meta embarked on an aggressive hiring spree to recruit top AI talent to close the gap with OpenAI and other AI startups, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly has grown frustrat ed with the company’s AI standing. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 The longtime Homeland Security official spearheaded the immigration enforcement crackdown in Los Angeles and is seen as directing the agents' aggressive tactics in Chicago. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 This time, Netflix’s movie group wanted to take charge, but Blumhouse was more aggressive, loving the idea of a world where children can see monsters, but adults cannot. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive
Adjective
  • Newsom has been trying to raise his national profile, adopting a combative style that parodies Trump’s social media strategy with similar all-caps posts, memes and merchandise.
    Adriana Gomez Licon, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The combative Andy Robertson produced the pass of the match to release Ekitike for the equaliser and like Jones, the Scottish left-back really should keep his place at Brentford with Conor Bradley set to continue on the right after Jeremie Frimpong limped off with another hamstring injury.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The ambitious approach to the series featured the first-ever open-world campaign, and 343 Industries had plans to regularly add to it for years with story DLC, split-screen co-op (which it was supposed to launch with), and more.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • An ambitious journey Construction began in 2019 but faced several delays due to its intricate design and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With words infallibly falling short, Pritam mingled realism with a fragmentary style of narration that meshes together social encounters, violent episodes, vivid metaphors, disturbing dreams, memories, intimate self-reflections, and introspection on society.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Once embroiled in conflict, participants and spectators layer on more stories to make sense of their relationship to its violent cauldron.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Afghan refugees like him await their asylum decisions in an increasingly hostile climate marked by ICE raids and deportations.
    Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The rebound in corporate profitability was largely helped by Beijing’s policies aimed at curtailing fierce price competition across industrial sectors, at a time when deflation in producer prices stretched into its third year.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The eyewall generally produces the fiercest winds and heaviest rainfall, according to Deanna Hence, a professor of climate, meteorology and atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
    NPR, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Key Takeaways While general guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio weekly, those aiming for weight loss may need up to 250 minutes or more.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least two-and-a-half hours per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, or one-and-a-half hours per week of vigorous activity, or a combination of both.
    Dr. Cyrus Mowdawalla, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sia's contentious divorce just reached a whole new level of acrimony.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Before the vote, Mueller engaged in a contentious exchange with Canepa over the appointment route.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Israel says the militant group can access the remains of most of the hostages.
    Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Israel launched its war on Hamas after the October 7, 2023, terror attacks in which the militant group and its allies killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages to Gaza.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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