1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversial
given to arguing
a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scrappy
At my old gym, a scrappy Muay Thai spot that has since closed, the trainers saw me on my best days and my worst.
—
Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Michael Rubin, the founder and chief executive officer of Fanatics, describes himself as a scrappy entrepreneur, someone who doesn’t read and a degenerate gambler.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
Steelman died of cirrhosis of the liver in 1986 — the same year that Greenberg, a scrappy reporter for City magazine in Tucson, got a tip about Gretzler that sparked her curiosity.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Instead, Madrid’s football was again disjointed and scrappy, especially in midfield, where Bellingham had some bright moments early on, but there was little control or cohesion.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Michael Rubin, the founder and chief executive officer of Fanatics, describes himself as a scrappy entrepreneur, someone who doesn’t read and a degenerate gambler.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
Steelman died of cirrhosis of the liver in 1986 — the same year that Greenberg, a scrappy reporter for City magazine in Tucson, got a tip about Gretzler that sparked her curiosity.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Instead, Madrid’s football was again disjointed and scrappy, especially in midfield, where Bellingham had some bright moments early on, but there was little control or cohesion.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
Adjective
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Some of the city's narrow streets fell victim to the aggressive snow totals, leaving residents with little wiggle room to get around it.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The agency’s aggressive tactics this past year – especially when agents make their presence known in public areas in or near an employer, such as a parking lot – have had a chilling effect on businesses in areas where ICE has been operating.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some figures indicated that iPhone users were still avoiding upgrading despite this risk, citing multiple bugs and the controversial Liquid Glass as a reason for staying on an insecure operating system version.—
Kate O'Flaherty,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
At times, the process was controversial as there were a lot of differing opinions about the content.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Israel and the Lebanese militant group exchanged fire for over a year before reaching a ceasefire in November 2024.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Iran has been plagued for years by staggering hyperinflation, fueled by Western sanctions imposed over the hardline clerical government's nuclear program and backing for militant groups across the region.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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By advancing to phase two, the United States and mediator partners Egypt and Qatar must confront the more contentious issue of Hamas disarmament, which the group has long rejected.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
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Building a Better California is expected to back statewide ballot measures and legislation that would boost housing construction and streamline approvals, positioning Brin as a major player in one of California’s most contentious policy fights.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His 134 men were armed with musket, cartridge pouch, and sword in case of a hostile encounter, and the Africaansche Galey lay close by with a couple of small cannon brought forward on the bow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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The broader goal, Rubio said, is a prosperous Venezuela aligned with the United States and no longer serving as a hub for hostile foreign powers.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Colleges and universities nationwide continue to grapple with polemic issues associated with the fair treatment of individuals of differing backgrounds, political persuasions, and sexuality.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Flirting can be feisty, but the chemistry is undeniable.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The feisty Suns have already given the Lakers fits this season.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Experts warn that the stubborn metric has long-term implications for learning.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Wait 10 minutes before washing for milder stains or up to a week for more severe or stubborn stains.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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