scrappy

adjective

Definition of scrappynext
1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size

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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

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 scrappy Still, a visit to Meyers’ sleek apartment, admittedly paid for by his parents, confirms for Ed the kind of youthful privilege at play here, so unlike the scrappier downtown bohemia of his own artistic heyday. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Until recently, live streaming was seen as a niche technology and a scrappy alternative to mainstream media, meant mostly for video-game players and fringe political pundits. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026 Disney then ditched the movie, offloading it to the scrappy Relativity Media — sound like a familiar trajectory? — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 In turn, schools like the Forge birthed a new military archetype, whose adherents were often privileged, scrappy, and damaged—just as Holden Caulfield was. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
  1. aggressive
  2. controversial
  3. militant
  4. contentious
  5. hostile
  6. polemical
  7. feisty
  8. stubborn
Adjective
  • Cramer also pointed to Abercrombie's aggressive share repurchases as another boost to earnings per share.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough, being aggressive in what was a must-win series finale against the Washington Nationals, chose to go to his bullpen early.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • The Amazing Spider-Man and Social Network actor got candid about portraying the controversial executive who has helped spearhead the AI revolution.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Almost a decade after its release, Reputation has held it spot as Swift’s most controversial record, but the Grammy winner is embracing its legacy.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of controversial
Adjective
  • Abductions are common in Nigeria, where militant groups target schoolchildren and other civilians to put pressure on the government and extract ransoms.
    — Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The strikes came after Israel blamed the militant Hezbollah group for firing two explosive drones.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • Several cities across the nation are locked in a contentious debate over Flock cameras, but in Erlanger, that decision has been made.
    — Brooklyn Andres, Fox 19 Cincinnati, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The latest version of the polling place plan follows a contentious August meeting about a proposal to reduce the number of Election Day voting locations for the November midterm from 316 in 2022 to 176 in 2026.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • Forecasters said the system is expected to be short-lived because of hostile environmental conditions starting on Friday that will prevent it from developing further.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Electronic warfare systems such as NGJ-MB are carried by aircraft and use advanced electronics to interfere with or counter hostile electromagnetic systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Even so, the film’s gaze is more anthropological than polemical, especially given the faux-doc vibe created by its abundant handheld camerawork, seemingly filmed sometimes by the actors themselves.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of polemical
Adjective
  • Alyson Hannigan was Lily, a kindergarten teacher and Marshall’s loving, supportive wife, who also happens to have a wild, feisty, and neurotic side.
    — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Award-winning actor Kandis Chappell deftly illuminates the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR’s presidency.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of feisty
Adjective
  • United’s struggle to break down stubborn defensive sides is a problem that predates Carrick.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This one features glycerin, stearic acid, and allantoin to help repair cracks and stubborn dry spots.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stubborn

Browse Nearby Words

scrapping
scrappy
scraps
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Cite this Entry

“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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