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
Sketches are a bit punchier and backdrops more elaborate, though not in a way that undermines the Muppets’ scrappy, analog aesthetic.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
This particular title works best in a rather scrappier and more intimate staging, with a conceit that pays more homage to its B-movie origins.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Few directors who start small before reaching blockbuster heights, like Raimi did with Spider-Man, are interested in making lower-stakes films after that, and fewer still are able to actually recapture the scrappy energy of their earlier filmography.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
What began in 2019 as a scrappy front yard operation in Anaheim, helmed by Josue Maldonado and Michael Alvarado, has since evolved into a bona fide Southern California powerhouse.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Judy Berman, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
This particular title works best in a rather scrappier and more intimate staging, with a conceit that pays more homage to its B-movie origins.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Few directors who start small before reaching blockbuster heights, like Raimi did with Spider-Man, are interested in making lower-stakes films after that, and fewer still are able to actually recapture the scrappy energy of their earlier filmography.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
What began in 2019 as a scrappy front yard operation in Anaheim, helmed by Josue Maldonado and Michael Alvarado, has since evolved into a bona fide Southern California powerhouse.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
Adjective
-
The operation also resulted in the killing of two US citizens, the deployment of aggressive tactics by armed, masked DHS agents, and a soaring sense of trepidation permeating Minnesota’s immigrant communities.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Torres Hidalgo had been diagnosed with the rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer in December 2024.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Denver is considering ending its relationship with Flock, a controversial company that maintains a network of license-plate reading cameras in the city, but Mayor Mike Johnston’s office plans to continue using that technology.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Torres has a controversial legacy in Colombia, where conservatives have long derided his decision to seek political change through violent means.—
Manuel Rueda,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The ceasefire deal calls for an armed international stabilization force to keep security and ensure the disarming of the militant Hamas group, a key demand of Israel.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
But since the beginning of the year, hundreds of Nigerians have been killed, injured, or kidnapped in attacks across the country with responsibility attributed to a mix of militant and criminal actors, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State, and a group known as Lakurawa.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The discussion around tips remains contentious, and California lawmakers have struggled with how to handle the imperfect solution of service fees.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Over the past several weeks, Israel has launched a contentious land regulation process that will deepen its control in the occupied West Bank.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Deery believes that decline can be attributed in part to prospective students and parents feeling like campuses are hostile to those who don't hold a liberal-leaning worldview.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
-
For some unexplained reason, if such an event continues for a prolonged period, citizens can often become inexplicably hostile.—
Wayne Chan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 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
-
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
-
Kennedy received a verbal warning from governing body World Curling a day after the feisty back-and-forth with the Swedish team, when fingers were pointed and the Canadian player repeatedly swore.—
STEVE DOUGLAS,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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The Olympic curling committee issued a warning after a heated fight filled with cheating allegations and audible curse words overshadowed a feisty match between Sweden and Canada.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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One person refuses to bow — not an army, not a revolution, one stubborn Jew minding his own business — and Haman cannot function.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush, focusing on stubborn areas.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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