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
-
Wall Street holds near record highs in a government-data blackout , with enough rotational energy toward left-behind groups, refreshed confidence in the AI spending frenzy, certainty of a Fed rate cut this month and speculative aggression in lower-quality longshots to keep the indexes aloft.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The President's aggression is forcing every school district, city, and the state to do more to protect our rights and our students.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dedich has started the last three games for the Rams and has shown his aggressiveness in the running game but allowed eight pressures in three weeks.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
29 Sep. 2025
-
This can lead to rapid mood swings, difficulty controlling emotions, aggressiveness, and outbursts.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The monthlong celebration comes at a crucial time, as transgender youths continue to face mounting legislative attacks and social hostility nationwide.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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Police officers eventually began to line tee boxes as the weekend progressed, though that also did not assuage the hostility.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pugnacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugnacity. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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