Synonyms of aggressive

aggressive

adjective

ə-ˈgre-siv 

1

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

• ambitious
• fierce
• militant
• assertive
• vigorous
• adventurous
• in-your-face
• energetic
• high-pressure
• confident
• pushy
• daring
• enterprising
• dynamic
• belligerent
• self-assertive
• bold
• pugnacious
• combative
• warlike
• bellicose
• go-getting
• contentious
• self-asserting
• determined
• domineering
• emphatic
• truculent
• argumentative
• strenuous
• hustling
• quarrelsome
• hyperaggressive
• obtrusive
• overambitious
• unapologetic
• impudent
• gladiatorial
• insolent
• trigger-happy
• dominating
• feisty
• disputatious
• cocky
• gutsy
• adventuresome
• overconfident
• brassy
• bumptious
• cheeky
• venturous
• discordant
• emboldened
• brash
• audacious
• venturesome
• overbearing
• gung ho
• dashing
• unyielding
• presumptuous
• scrappy
• bare-knuckles
• cocksure
• forward
• imperious
• bare-knuckled
• magisterial
• unsubdued
• bare-knuckle
• lordly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unaggressive
• low-pressure
• unassertive
• unambitious
• easygoing
• relaxed
• docile
• nonassertive
• compliant
• amenable
• deferential
• submissive
• passive
• tractable
• acquiescent
• unenterprising
• mild
• timid
• yielding
• ambitionless
• modest
• shrinking
• quiet
• subdued
• resigned
• humble
• shy
• meek
• unobtrusive
• bashful
• laid-back
• reserved
• diffident
• lowly
• retiring
• demure
• mousy
• servile
• obsequious
• slavish
• subservient
• grovelling
• cringing
• groveling
• cowering
• mousey
• overmodest

2

as in militant

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

• militant
• hostile
• contentious
• assaultive
• confrontational
• irritable
• belligerent
• combative
• pugnacious
• ugly
• warlike
• bellicose
• fierce
• acidic
• feisty
• vicious
• agonistic
• savage
• truculent
• argumentative
• scrappy
• quarrelsome
• rude
• chippy
• gladiatorial
• disputatious
• antagonistic
• discordant
• on the warpath
• fighting
• brawly
• cross
• petulant
• irascible
• disagreeable
• ornery
• warring
• battling
• surly
• snappish
• peevish
• hot-tempered
• testy
• fretful
• waspish
• querulous
• bilious
• grumpy
• grouchy
• bristly
• touchy
• choleric
• fractious
• dyspeptic
• huffy
• crabby
• ill-tempered
• pettish
• stroppy
• bearish
• ill-humored
• prickly
• cranky
• ill-natured
• snappy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonaggressive
• peaceful
• peaceable
• pacific
• friendly
• pleasant
• benevolent
• amiable
• unwarlike
• conciliatory
• gracious
• nonbelligerent
• easygoing
• cordial
• amicable
• affable
• good-natured
• sociable
• uncontentious
• quiet
• complaisant
• genial
• calm
• ingratiating
• unbelligerent
• kindhearted
• uncombative
• obliging
• mild
• gentle
• benign
• serene
• relaxed
• tranquil
• antimilitarist
• anti-imperialist
• good-tempered
• kindly

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

• violent
• vigorous
• emphatic
• dynamic
• forceful
• energetic
• assertive
• insistent
• muscular
• vehement
• strenuous
• compelling
• clear
• striking
• pointed
• marked
• full-blooded
• decided
• resounding
• conspicuous
• noticeable
• unequivocal
• unambiguous
• plain
• categorical
• absolute
• categoric
• arresting
• impelling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• weak
• unemphatic
• nonassertive
• ambiguous
• guarded
• hesitant
• equivocal
• understated
• nonemphatic
• wishy-washy
• uncompelling
• halting

Try This Instead

For

Try This

aggressive behavior

assertive behavior

hostile behavior

belligerent behavior

violent behavior

dominant behavior

an aggressive approach

a proactive approach

a vigorous approach

a strong approach

an active approach

an assertive approach

an aggressive treatment

an intense treatment

a vigorous treatment

an accelerated treatment

a rigorous treatment

an extreme treatment

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

Recent Examples of aggressive

With an acute focus on fighting back against Donald Trump‘s aggressive deportation raids, the movement coincides with the president’s controversial military parade in Washington meant to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 June 2025

The direct heat from the iron’s metal plate can be too aggressive on delicates but necessary for more structured or heavy-duty materials. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025

Most recently the administration asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for downsizing the federal workforce despite multiple court rulings that congressional approval is needed to make such aggressive reductions. —Ragan Whitlock, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025

Addressing the Obvious Critiques Yes, 3–4% real growth is aggressive. —Don Muir, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025