as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the players need to temper their pugnacity with a little self-restraint—their aggressive style of play too often results in penalties
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Recent Examples of pugnacity
That does not mean his pugnacity has dimmed.
—
Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugnacity
Noun
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Neuroscience also reveals how collective memory and leadership dynamics can steer a society toward increasing aggression or maintaining peace.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Tyrer had the insidious condition caused by repetitive head trauma and known to cause aggression, mood swings, depression and paranoia.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness in the Gleason grading system, which ranges from 6 to 10, with 10 being the most aggressive.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Oct. 2025
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Doctors assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer using a measure called the Gleason score, which ranges from 6 to 10.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Tel Aviv activists hold silent vigils mourning Gaza’s children, confronting public hostility with quiet resilience.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
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The end of hostilities could also revive deals like a joint venture between BP and Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, which had been paused during the war.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pugnacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugnacity. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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