as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
an inveterate belligerency that needs to be addressed by classes in anger management
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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
-
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
-
Increase his aggressiveness at the point of attack.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The forward is known for his physicality and aggressiveness on the ice.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to preserve its independence at any cost, stand on its own feet, and firmly resist the excessive demands, aggression, and acts of hostility by foreign powers—including the United States and the Zionist regime.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The message refers to the conflict in Gaza and calls for an end to hostilities.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belligerency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerency. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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