AGGRESSOR Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

aggressor

noun

ə-ˈgre-sər

Definition of aggressor

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

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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 The conduct of the Ukrainian military has never been seriously contested, and most Americans agree that Moscow is the aggressor and that Kyiv is fighting a just war with important geopolitical consequences. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026 The suspect's attorney said Britt was the aggressor, headbutting and swinging his belt at Fitzsimmons when he got involved. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Police say the video contradicted Medina’s claims that Cox was the aggressor. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 The two satellites are designed to swap positions as aggressor and target throughout a series of demonstrations playing out over the next few months. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggressor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressor

Noun

In instances where these agents are acting on behalf of security professionals, rather than malicious invaders, this is actually troublesome as agents are now escaping the bounds of their constraints and potentially causing more harm than good.

— Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
So what better place to fight off alien invaders in a battle that would go on to define the following decade’s worth of blockbusters?

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of invader

Noun

The raiders’ prisoners are saved by Titus, a young man on a mysterious quest of his own, but once Bria is freed from captivity, Titus leaves her to fend for herself in the wilderness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Known as the Danegeld, it was collected to pay Viking raiders to leave England alone.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of raider

Noun

In response to questions from The Times about whether the breach remained under investigation or the attacker had been identified, Austin Walsh, a Foster City spokesperson, said the city would not comment.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The key has authority over the stablecoin’s issuance, meaning a compromise could potentially allow an attacker to manipulate assets in the crypto system.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacker

Browse Nearby Words

aggressiveness

aggressor

aggressors

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Style

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressor. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of aggressor

noun

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