GLADIATORIAL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

gladiatorial

adjective

Definition of gladiatorial

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight not a reasoned discussion but a shouting match between gladiatorial pundits from opposite ends of the political spectrum

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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 gladiatorial Erivo plays a British defense barrister who exudes enviable brilliance in navigating the ruthless and gladiatorial London courtrooms. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026 This one has been commemorated by a gladiatorial contest on the White House grounds and by an, apparently coming up, a long speech by the president of the day. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 Some critics view gladiatorial displays of violence as inappropriate for a historic anniversary and complain that the spectacle hits a discordant note amid war in Iran and rising prices. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Hansen and his Dateline NBC crew made gladiatorial reality TV disguised as public service. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Fighting those of a comparable or higher status brought greater prizes, advancement in the rankings, and more glory, perhaps even discharge from the gladiatorial school. — Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 One of the city’s star attractions is the huge 25,000-seat Great Theater, used for theatrical performances, public assemblies, religious ceremonies and, in the Roman era, gladiatorial battles. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 In America's gladiatorial two-party system, that could well deprive Republicans of a winning political issue with which to batter out-of-touch, climate change-besotted Democrats. — MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 Speaking a few days before his eagerly awaited womenswear debut for Dior, Anderson described the feeling of stepping into a gladiatorial arena. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladiatorial

Adjective

In March, a group of major medical organizations, including the AHA and the American College of Cardiology, released new guidelines urging more aggressive treatment of cholesterol.

— Anne Thompson, NBC news, 16 July 2026
His team is curious about the fuel effects of acceleration and aggressive driving and other air pollutants that might increase with speeding.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

The deal envisions peaceful relations between the two states and lays out a road map to disarm the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, secure Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanon and restore Lebanese sovereignty over its entire national territory.

— Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
The Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by the militant group, Islamic State.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

An independent review of the scoring in Manny Pacquiao’s contentious WBO welterweight world title loss to Jeff Horn confirms the outcome in favor of the Australian.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Since 2024, singer Frank Carter has stepped into the role established by John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, who last performed with the band in 2008 and continues to have a contentious relationship with them.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
One of the world’s most cooperative mammals is also one of its most warlike.

— Big Think, Big Think, 8 May 2026

Definition of warlike

Adjective

Explanations as to why he was fired have varied widely from the defense minister allegedly being too corrupt, not corrupt enough, too combative with army leadership, too showy, too popular, and too in the clouds on military matters.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
Rather than a cohesive national unit, Americans faced a loose, tense and combative set of state and local interests.

— Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of combative

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“Gladiatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladiatorial. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gladiatorial

adjective

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