1
as in ambition
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity
because of the mayor's aggressiveness in tackling problems, there have been significant changes for the better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
has the aggressiveness one needs to pursue a career in show business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
male bettas, known for their aggressiveness, are best raised alone
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 aggressiveness
Our offense has to be predicated on some of the aggressiveness on the bases.
—
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
As with The Second Act, which sent up cancel culture, there’s a slightly reactionary vibe in the way the script has Stewart’s Madeleine represent a distinctly millennial kind of passive-aggressiveness.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Bears display aggressiveness towards visitors Aggressive bears have been a concern in the park since April, with the animals chasing people and even biting them.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026
The two have been engaging in a subtle war of online words with fans noting passive aggressiveness to the max.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Continue to fly all over the court and use its activity and aggressiveness to make the Cavs wilt.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Embiid’s aggressiveness early — along with Tyrese Maxey’s speed and ability to put defenders in bad positions — put the Knicks in unfavorable foul trouble early.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
Some Trump-boosting podcasters and influencers cheered the FCC’s aggressiveness on Tuesday.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Not long into his second term, Bush sat uncomfortably as Stephen Colbert, then a Comedy Central host, hammered him with an aggressiveness unusual for the dinner.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
As with The Second Act, which sent up cancel culture, there’s a slightly reactionary vibe in the way the script has Stewart’s Madeleine represent a distinctly millennial kind of passive-aggressiveness.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Bears display aggressiveness towards visitors Aggressive bears have been a concern in the park since April, with the animals chasing people and even biting them.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026
The two have been engaging in a subtle war of online words with fans noting passive aggressiveness to the max.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Continue to fly all over the court and use its activity and aggressiveness to make the Cavs wilt.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Embiid’s aggressiveness early — along with Tyrese Maxey’s speed and ability to put defenders in bad positions — put the Knicks in unfavorable foul trouble early.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
Some Trump-boosting podcasters and influencers cheered the FCC’s aggressiveness on Tuesday.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Not long into his second term, Bush sat uncomfortably as Stephen Colbert, then a Comedy Central host, hammered him with an aggressiveness unusual for the dinner.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressiveness
Noun
-
The promotion, which does not yet have any media distribution deals or fighters signed, has ambitions for a debut in the first quarter of 2027.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Like many in Lebanon, her plans and ambitions had been put on hold by the hostilities.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
Unfortunately, the researchers were unable to measure the intensity directly, but theoretical estimates suggest the team may have boosted the laser intensity to 10^23 W per cm2.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
-
Though South Florida usually sees wildfire activity in May, the speed and intensity of fires have been exacerbated by the dry conditions.—
Megan Vaz,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The problem is, when your side lack intensity, aggression and cohesion, those traps are easy to spot and avoid.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Bass said Pratt’s videos encourage aggression.—
Britta Miller,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
20 May 2026
-
Most Treasured Views is a USA TODAY Network project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday.—
Victoria E. Freile,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggressiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressiveness. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
