as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the dominant male wolf was able to withstand the belligerence of younger challengers
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of belligerence
Its outcome defines European security and Chinese belligerence over the next decade.
—
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
For a certain stripe of critic, the problem with liberal internationalism isn’t its belligerence but its benevolence.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
There’s been plenty of disturbing news lately about energy belligerence and blackouts, for instance.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
The continuous uncertainty, chaos and belligerence created by this man could drive one to drink — and so does the thought of being stuck with him for four whole years.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for belligerence
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
For a certain stripe of critic, the problem with liberal internationalism isn’t its belligerence but its benevolence.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
There’s been plenty of disturbing news lately about energy belligerence and blackouts, for instance.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
The continuous uncertainty, chaos and belligerence created by this man could drive one to drink — and so does the thought of being stuck with him for four whole years.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for belligerence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerence
Noun
-
In terms of behavioral issues, aggression, social conflict, and soiling were the most common.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Rutte and Grynkewich described NATO’s eastern flank as the front line of defense, but dismissed arguments that the whole alliance wasn’t at risk of Russian aggression.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Before the Bucs' preseason finale, head coach Todd Bowles praised Sanders for his effort on special teams and his overall aggressiveness.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The Detroit Tigers came into last offseason with some money to spend and a lot of aggressiveness.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
When faced with Laura’s hostility, what can Cherry do but lose her mind, smash a glass against her head, and tell Daniel that his mother did it?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.—
Rchin Bari,
Boston Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belligerence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerence. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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