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
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland, plus the heads of the European Commission and NATO, took part in a largely harmonious charm offensive meant to guide Trump back to a footing of support for the U.S. ally facing Russian belligerence.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
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
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
Philip Elliott, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
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
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
-
Wall Street holds near record highs in a government-data blackout , with enough rotational energy toward left-behind groups, refreshed confidence in the AI spending frenzy, certainty of a Fed rate cut this month and speculative aggression in lower-quality longshots to keep the indexes aloft.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
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The President's aggression is forcing every school district, city, and the state to do more to protect our rights and our students.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dedich has started the last three games for the Rams and has shown his aggressiveness in the running game but allowed eight pressures in three weeks.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
29 Sep. 2025
-
This can lead to rapid mood swings, difficulty controlling emotions, aggressiveness, and outbursts.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The monthlong celebration comes at a crucial time, as transgender youths continue to face mounting legislative attacks and social hostility nationwide.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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Police officers eventually began to line tee boxes as the weekend progressed, though that also did not assuage the hostility.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belligerence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerence. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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