1
as in controversial
given to arguing
he's too argumentative to be part of a project in which teamwork is critical
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
an argumentative gang of bullies always looking for a fight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
a topic that sparked more than a few argumentative conversations around the watercooler
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of argumentative
Trotsky’s arguments about revolution in one nation versus a revolution of the international proletariat, like the fine argumentative tracery of Paul’s Jewish Christians versus Greek ones, seemed vital to the movement at the time but weirdly trivial and abstract to those outside it.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
After winning modifications to the ballot label to remove argumentative and prejudicial language, taxpayers are suing the measure proponents over their ballot argument.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
The course is designed to help students develop skills in reading, writing and academic discussion, Howard said, with a focus on literary analysis and working toward argumentative essays by the end of the year.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Authorities say Phillips became argumentative and moved toward the mayor, prompting an officer to step in between them.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
After winning modifications to the ballot label to remove argumentative and prejudicial language, taxpayers are suing the measure proponents over their ballot argument.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
The course is designed to help students develop skills in reading, writing and academic discussion, Howard said, with a focus on literary analysis and working toward argumentative essays by the end of the year.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Authorities say Phillips became argumentative and moved toward the mayor, prompting an officer to step in between them.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argumentative
Adjective
-
Among them was a December 2024 lesson about Christmas that featured Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete, a controversial Dutch holiday character known as a helper to Santa Claus who is depicted with exaggerated, racist physical features — including large red lips.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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The Australian social media ban has been controversial, with American tech giants unsurprisingly reacting with alarm.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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That was a fun one, with both teams staying aggressive throughout the match.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
The bounce off of Kamada may have been lucky, but Japan created its own luck with an aggressive second-half attack after Crysencio Summerville’s goal in the 64th minute put it in a deficit.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Striking a balance between releasing children to vetted sponsors and shielding them from danger has proved a contentious partisan disagreement.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
Striking a balance to release children to vetted sponsors and shielding them from danger has proved a contentious partisan disagreement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
In his discussion of history, America’s War on Terror, and creative resistance, Zinn’s essays are plain spoken but polemical, challenging us to not limit ourselves and never accept the story we’re offered.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
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In the end, Larsen and Letteney make their polemical point unambiguously plain.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The Israeli military struck targets in Beirut's suburbs on Sunday after the militant group Hezbollah launched projectiles toward Israel, Reuters reported.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
Most of Gaza’s 2 million residents remain displaced amid devastation and severe shortages, as new Israeli strikes on crowded areas kill children and other civilians Israel labels militant targets.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
But La Roja could not find a way past Vozinha and a stubborn defense that had an answer to everything Spain’s superstars threw at them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
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Meanwhile, Hanks invests the vulnerable but stubborn Woody with a delectable senior resilience.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Will he ever be held accountable for his hostile behavior?—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
10 June 2026
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While some states would be hostile to public university athletes attempts to gain employment recognition, others might be more welcoming.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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But Maguire, now 43, became sad and irritable, and didn’t want to be around his newborn.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Additionally, Owens' youngest child, Titus, who was just a toddler when his mother died, was confused, irritable and inconsolable in the weeks after her death, Dias shared.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argumentative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argumentative. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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