as in invaders
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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Recent Examples of aggressors
Most people initially become aware of the reptiles by hearing their rattles, which the snakes use to try to scare off aggressors or to distract prey.
—
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The attack on the oil depots could be construed as chemical warfare, which violates international law, because the aggressors likely knew the hazards the civilians who live in Tehran would face, Cleetus said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Brazil’s government announced emergency measures including a national task force to execute arrest warrants, electronic tracking for aggressors and mobile units assisting women experiencing violence.
—Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Under the American and British flags, Diego Garcia defends the Indo-Pacific region against aggressors who do not trouble their consciences about laws, pacts, or the rights of weaker nations.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
But the Zags answered with an 8-0 run to take a 63-60 advantage and were the aggressors the rest of the way.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026
Martinez denies ramming them and said agents were the aggressors.
—Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
Prosecutors argue that stand your ground should not apply, asserting that neither Ordonez nor Cutshaw were the aggressors in the confrontation.
—Joan Murray, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
These governments are easily rich enough to afford the sort of national militaries needed to deter potential aggressors and uphold stability in their respective regions.
—Peter Harris, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The attack on the oil depots could be construed as chemical warfare, which violates international law, because the aggressors likely knew the hazards the civilians who live in Tehran would face, Cleetus said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Brazil’s government announced emergency measures including a national task force to execute arrest warrants, electronic tracking for aggressors and mobile units assisting women experiencing violence.
—Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Under the American and British flags, Diego Garcia defends the Indo-Pacific region against aggressors who do not trouble their consciences about laws, pacts, or the rights of weaker nations.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
But the Zags answered with an 8-0 run to take a 63-60 advantage and were the aggressors the rest of the way.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026
Martinez denies ramming them and said agents were the aggressors.
—Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
Prosecutors argue that stand your ground should not apply, asserting that neither Ordonez nor Cutshaw were the aggressors in the confrontation.
—Joan Murray, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
These governments are easily rich enough to afford the sort of national militaries needed to deter potential aggressors and uphold stability in their respective regions.
—Peter Harris, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressors
Noun
-
By the time police arrived, the home invaders had already left, possibly in a black Acura sport-utility vehicle with no license plates.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The Senators have taken steps to gradually phase out invaders in favour of their own fans.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Give me raiders of the lost past, any day, and forgive them their lack of footnotes.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The raiders just went on a 7-0 run to take a 68-67 lead with under six minutes to play.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggressors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressors. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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