as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
the player became quite belligerent and was thrown out of the game
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in combatant
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of belligerent
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
In this context, Trump’s belligerent signaling has created a perverse strategic dilemma for Latin American governments.
—Oliver Stuenkel, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for belligerent
Adjective
Lately, the president has revisited his preoccupation with annexing Greenland in an increasingly belligerent manner.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
In this context, Trump’s belligerent signaling has created a perverse strategic dilemma for Latin American governments.
—Oliver Stuenkel, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
This significantly decreases the likelihood of collateral damage on the forces deployed by a security guarantor, allowing that partner to be a neutral and idle spectator rather than an active belligerent.
—Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for belligerent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerent
Adjective
-
The operation also resulted in the killing of two US citizens, the deployment of aggressive tactics by armed, masked DHS agents, and a soaring sense of trepidation permeating Minnesota’s immigrant communities.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Torres Hidalgo had been diagnosed with the rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer in December 2024.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And China already possesses the world’s-largest fleet of destroyers, frigates and surface combatants.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Kilgore leads his cavalry into air battle to the strains of Wagner, taking out combatants in between swigs of coffee.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The ceasefire deal calls for an armed international stabilization force to keep security and ensure the disarming of the militant Hamas group, a key demand of Israel.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
But since the beginning of the year, hundreds of Nigerians have been killed, injured, or kidnapped in attacks across the country with responsibility attributed to a mix of militant and criminal actors, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State, and a group known as Lakurawa.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
David rises from shepherd to warrior, caught between loyalty and destiny, while the Age of Iron transforms warfare.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The jacket features a funnel neck and dual-zip closure, while the skirt incorporates biodegradable corozo fasteners and paneling inspired by the armor traditions of Indian warriors.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Deery believes that decline can be attributed in part to prospective students and parents feeling like campuses are hostile to those who don't hold a liberal-leaning worldview.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
-
For some unexplained reason, if such an event continues for a prolonged period, citizens can often become inexplicably hostile.—
Wayne Chan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Armed soldiers descended on the parliament by helicopter and attempted to storm the chamber where lawmakers were gathered.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Local and out-of-state agencies are expected to assist with security, as are National Guard soldiers.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The trooper then removed Jackson from the vehicle.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The church was reportedly heated with propane cylinders, but the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, state troopers said.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His success in ferreting out three American servicemen from Kosovo 15 years later was also broadly celebrated.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Members also donated gift cards to the servicemen and women stationed at Camp Pendleton during Christmas.—
Sharon Hlapcich,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belligerent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerent. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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