as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
her confrontational, in-your-face manner doesn't help get legislation passed
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Recent Examples of confrontational
The discussion grew confrontational quickly, however, when Riley criticized Albert’s parenting.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Hollywood feels incompatible with Martel’s sophisticated, confrontational movies rooted in her country’s troubles.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Conversely, maybe the fact that their songs, while impressively self-possessed, weren’t directly confrontational has kept them from being counted as forebears to the feminist punks who would come after.
—Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026
As one of the genre’s most confrontational figures, Coe’s career didn’t come without a fair share of controversy.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The political transition raised cautious expectations among regional observers that Caracas might adopt a less confrontational stance on longstanding disputes, including Essequibo.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Fuqua’s focus is on the music, with songwriting, video production and choreography scenes, and full-length live performances tackled with staggering precision by Jaafar Jackson, who also sensitively delivers Michael’s repressed anguish in confrontational scenes with his father.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
Fuqua’s focus is on the music, with songwriting, video production and choreography scenes, and full-length live performances tackled with staggering precision by Jaafar Jackson, who also sensitively delivers Michael’s repressed anguish in confrontational scenes with his father.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
She was criticized on social media from the right and the left, for being both too woke and not confrontational enough.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Hollywood feels incompatible with Martel’s sophisticated, confrontational movies rooted in her country’s troubles.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Conversely, maybe the fact that their songs, while impressively self-possessed, weren’t directly confrontational has kept them from being counted as forebears to the feminist punks who would come after.
—Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026
As one of the genre’s most confrontational figures, Coe’s career didn’t come without a fair share of controversy.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The political transition raised cautious expectations among regional observers that Caracas might adopt a less confrontational stance on longstanding disputes, including Essequibo.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Fuqua’s focus is on the music, with songwriting, video production and choreography scenes, and full-length live performances tackled with staggering precision by Jaafar Jackson, who also sensitively delivers Michael’s repressed anguish in confrontational scenes with his father.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
Fuqua’s focus is on the music, with songwriting, video production and choreography scenes, and full-length live performances tackled with staggering precision by Jaafar Jackson, who also sensitively delivers Michael’s repressed anguish in confrontational scenes with his father.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
She was criticized on social media from the right and the left, for being both too woke and not confrontational enough.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confrontational
Adjective
-
The Boston Red Sox could be aggressive, and have the prospects to swing a deal.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
In 1981, reggae artist Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital at age 36 after battling an aggressive skin cancer.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent years, much of it blamed on the TTP, a separate group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban, which returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.—
Riaz Khan,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
Israel and the militant group have repeatedly accused one another of violating the agreement.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Women, people of color, and first-generation professionals were too often told their accurate perceptions of hostile environments were merely internal distortions.—
Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
-
Others, like Michael (Doon Mackichan), seem openly hostile.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
James Ward Thursday night’s California governor debate underscored just how unsettled — and contentious — the race has become, with candidates repeatedly clashing over crime, election integrity, reproductive rights, and the balance of power between state and local government.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The most contentious and controversial being some very pointed criticisms of Ole Miss, his former school.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Fernandez was combative when asked if there was any long-term concern about the injury.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
-
In Congress, Katie Porter’s blunt, combative style helped rocket her to progressive stardom.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Unlawful activity including blocking roads, intentionally creating hazards and assaultive behavior will not be tolerated.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Chief Judge James Boasberg ruled in two more surge cases involving Paul Nguyen and Nathalie Rose Jones, each accused of assaultive or threatening conduct during summer protests.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Confrontational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confrontational. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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