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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scrappy
Zomnir wasn’t afraid to be scrappy in those early days.
—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Especially at Louisville, just making that big jump, picking up full court, just being a dog, being scrappy, getting through screens, just everything like that.
—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The first venture was scrappier than C'Ganti’s resume suggested.
—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Alcock’s scrappy characterization, tempering Kara’s jaded toughness and chaotic messiness with an increasingly strong sense of justice, would seem an ideal fit to continue in a similar vein.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Especially at Louisville, just making that big jump, picking up full court, just being a dog, being scrappy, getting through screens, just everything like that.
—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The first venture was scrappier than C'Ganti’s resume suggested.
—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Alcock’s scrappy characterization, tempering Kara’s jaded toughness and chaotic messiness with an increasingly strong sense of justice, would seem an ideal fit to continue in a similar vein.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
Adjective
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The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
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Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
Adjective
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In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
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One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.
Adjective
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Yet Piker himself has followed the DSA’s militant line, repeatedly praising authoritarian regimes such as China’s, Cuba’s, and Russia’s, as well as terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
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There are also concerns that fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon could escalate once more and derail future talks.
Adjective
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These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
Adjective
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And until a Black commentator is held responsible for making openly hostile remarks about White people, nothing will change.
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For example, in March, the crypto exchange Kraken put its multibillion‑dollar IPO on hold amid hostile market conditions, according to CoinDesk.
Adjective
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Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
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Tarring someone with the pedant brush is polemical, of course.
Adjective
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On that sunny day in Palo Alto, Brazil won 1-0 against the feisty Americans, but not before losing a player to a red card shortly before halftime.
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Conversations get charged when the Scorpio moon contends with feisty Mars.
Adjective
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The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
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Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
Cite this Entry
“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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