as in invader
one that starts armed conflict against another especially without reasonable cause
a group of smaller states had formed an alliance to deter potential aggressors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 aggressor
Even fewer have different styles, with both vying to be the aggressor, producing multiple high-scoring classics.
—
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Unlike the reverse fixture two months ago, Summit FC was the aggressor for essentially the entire match.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 May 2026
With extraordinary sensitivity and empathy, the filmmakers portray the experiences of women affected by violence at the hands of Russian aggressors.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Major questions swirled in the immediate aftermath of the fatal encounter as witnesses from both sides of the protest gave conflicting statements about what led to Kessler’s fall and who the aggressor was.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggressor
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Unlike the reverse fixture two months ago, Summit FC was the aggressor for essentially the entire match.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 May 2026
With extraordinary sensitivity and empathy, the filmmakers portray the experiences of women affected by violence at the hands of Russian aggressors.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Major questions swirled in the immediate aftermath of the fatal encounter as witnesses from both sides of the protest gave conflicting statements about what led to Kessler’s fall and who the aggressor was.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggressor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressor
Noun
-
By this point, the immune system still isn't creating antibodies that flag the invader for clearance by other cells.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
2 June 2026
-
The sword serves as a warning to invaders, and there have been plenty over the centuries.—
Lori Rackl,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
In 1983, corporate raider Carl Icahn wanted to buy oil giant Phillips 66 but didn’t have the money.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
-
Pumpkin’s lonely holiday ritual is interrupted by the arrival of a savage gang of raiders at her doorstep led by Thalia (Sossamon).—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Betty Ellerbe was waiting for an Uber on Sunday when her attacker rounded the the corner of her Brownsville apartment building located near Glenmore and Christopher Aves.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
2 June 2026
-
Other attackers Arsenal admire include Champions League final opponent Bradley Barcola and Ajax winger Mika Godts.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressor. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
