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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 argumentative
And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin’s, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2025
Be smart and steer clear of controversial topics that will be argumentative.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025
There is no place for violence for these particular types of minor, or even just argumentative, disputes.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025
That conversation also became increasingly argumentative.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2025
Be smart and steer clear of controversial topics that will be argumentative.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025
There is no place for violence for these particular types of minor, or even just argumentative, disputes.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025
That conversation also became increasingly argumentative.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argumentative
Adjective
-
Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
-
When asked about Trump’s immigration policies — which have been controversial and are viewed by some Venezuelan residents as harmful to their community — Rodriguez first expressed support.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While their offer was aggressive, the deal wasn’t done in a numbers vacuum.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Slater had been particularly aggressive against Big Tech companies during her tenure.—
Allie Canal,
NBC news,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The dispute was resolved in June 2022 through a confidential settlement, bringing to a close one of the more public—and contentious—chapters of Luck’s executive career.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2026
-
As the war with Iran continues for a sixth day, evacuating Americans from the Middle East remains a contentious issue.—
Carolyn Gusoff,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Colleges and universities nationwide continue to grapple with polemic issues associated with the fair treatment of individuals of differing backgrounds, political persuasions, and sexuality.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Frontiers are already porous here, crossed by smuggling routes, refugee trails and militant hideouts.—
Mihir Sharma,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, known as Islamic State West Africa Province.—
Dyepkazah Shibayan,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In business, this same perseverance can be invaluable when navigating competitive and fluctuating markets, stubborn problems or enduring long timelines that don’t pay immediate dividends but for which the rewards are worth the wait.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
-
For stubborn black spots, make a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This time, the report suggests that Cosco’s ownership stake would vary by port and that some terminals in jurisdictions hostile to China could be carved out.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Mar. 2026
-
While the industry has not in recent memory suffered a major disruption due to a hostile attack, smaller-scale DDoS attacks, as well as ransomware attacks, have disrupted pockets of the market.—
Reuters
Wire Service,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Rather than get irritable online, Medeiros did something positive about it.—
Dan Medeiros,
The Herald News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Manic episodes are described as prolonged periods of mood instability, in which a person can experience extreme increases in energy or euphoria, or alternatively, feel depressed or unusually irritable.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argumentative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argumentative. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
