as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
an inveterate belligerency that needs to be addressed by classes in anger management
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 belligerency
Contrary to former President Joe Biden, our co-belligerency is not to make Ukraine safe for democracy.
—
Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025
Furthermore, pursuant to Additional Protocol I, Article 47(1), mercenaries do not qualify as combatants, and as such, cannot benefit from the privilege of belligerency.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 12 June 2022
The formal and informal Democratic establishment convinced itself that the country had been repelled by Trump’s belligerency in his debate with Biden.
—Conrad Black, National Review, 14 Oct. 2020
So all you're left with was this over the top belligerency of the president, which didn't go over well with people.
—NBC News, 4 Oct. 2020
Credibility requires consistency, not belligerency.
—Keren Yarhi-Milo, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
What Flake doesn’t get is that Trump’s culture war belligerency is the first time many GOP voters feel the party is doing something for them.
—Jonathan Tamari, Philly.com, 27 Oct. 2017
This is also the right time to demonstrate to North Korea that we will not be intimidated or blackmailed by Pyongyang's belligerency.
—chicagotribune.com, 6 Sep. 2017
Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025
Furthermore, pursuant to Additional Protocol I, Article 47(1), mercenaries do not qualify as combatants, and as such, cannot benefit from the privilege of belligerency.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 12 June 2022
The formal and informal Democratic establishment convinced itself that the country had been repelled by Trump’s belligerency in his debate with Biden.
—Conrad Black, National Review, 14 Oct. 2020
So all you're left with was this over the top belligerency of the president, which didn't go over well with people.
—NBC News, 4 Oct. 2020
Credibility requires consistency, not belligerency.
—Keren Yarhi-Milo, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
What Flake doesn’t get is that Trump’s culture war belligerency is the first time many GOP voters feel the party is doing something for them.
—Jonathan Tamari, Philly.com, 27 Oct. 2017
This is also the right time to demonstrate to North Korea that we will not be intimidated or blackmailed by Pyongyang's belligerency.
—chicagotribune.com, 6 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerency
Noun
-
This massive one by Salaün — her second of three en route to 19 points — was set up by the aggression of Leite, who became the attacker that moved Dallas’ defense.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Thomas Heatherwick gave a lecture at the Russian Pavilion, a questionable choice in itself and one that drew calls for a boycott, considering Russia’s curators canceled the country’s participation in the Biennale because of the country’s aggression in Ukraine.—
Kate Wagner,
Curbed,
5 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
“Belligerency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerency. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share