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argumentative

adjective

ˌär-gyə-ˈmen-tə-tiv How to pronounce argumentative (audio)
Definition of argumentativenext
1
as in controversial
given to arguing he's too argumentative to be part of a project in which teamwork is critical

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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

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 The argumentative duo are summoned to investigate a murder in rural Nebraska that has mysterious connections to dangerous extraterrestrials. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 July 2026 And that's especially true in a big, raucous, diverse, argumentative democracy like the United States of America. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Why Leaders Often Reward It Leaders sometimes mistake argumentative energy for leadership potential. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Democracies are inherently argumentative. — Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argumentative
  1. controversial
  2. aggressive
  3. contentious
  4. polemical
  5. militant
  6. stubborn
  7. hostile
  8. irritable
Adjective
  • But it's been hard as a journalist to watch the wall-to-wall coddling of one of the most controversial figures of the past decade.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • So, that means the new book by Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, has been a little controversial in some circles.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of controversial
Adjective
  • On one hand, the aggressive expansion of data centers is intensifying competition for finite resources like land and water, putting them in direct conflict with agricultural land use in certain regions.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Harsh cleaners and aggressive scrubbing can damage these surfaces.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Pitt is 10 years removed from his contentious divorce from Angelina Jolie, who filed for divorce in 2016.
    — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Tarrant County judge race between incumbent Republican Tim O’Hare and Democratic commissioner Alisa Simmons has been contentious.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • Even so, the film’s gaze is more anthropological than polemical, especially given the faux-doc vibe created by its abundant handheld camerawork, seemingly filmed sometimes by the actors themselves.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of polemical
Adjective
  • There are concerns that the Houthis' advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could have significant ramifications for energy markets and global trade, particularly if the militant group ratchets up threats or attacks on Red Sea shipping.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in 2003, accused of developing and directing the 9/11 attacks, as a leader of the Islamic militant group Al Qaeda.
    — Larry Neumeister, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • Apple's stubborn insistence on keeping base iPhones at 60Hz while budget Android phones offer zippier refresh rates has always baffled me.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Bigger paychecks sought While the economy may be showing signs of acceleration, stubborn inflation has eroded Americans’ take-home pay.
    — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Worse, her estranged sister April (Naomi Watts), a drama queen, and hostile mother, Diane (Dianne Wiest), fly in from their Michigan hair salon to add to Sandra’s suffering.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • European authorities have linked Moscow to a rising number of drone incursions, sabotage incidents, cyberattacks, and other hostile acts across the continent in recent months.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • If a relative or housemate seems irritable, ask what’s going on instead of working around the mood.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • As the fascination with Ernetti grows into something unhealthy, Béatrice subtly grows more tired, more distracted, more irritable and desperate for answers, small changes Sellier conveys with a smart sense of restraint.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritable

Browse Nearby Words

argumentations
argumentative
arguments
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Cite this Entry

“Argumentative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argumentative. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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