BELLIGERENCE Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

belligerence

noun

bə-ˈlij-rən(t)s

Definition of belligerence

as in aggression

an inclination to fight or quarrel the dominant male wolf was able to withstand the belligerence of younger challengers

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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 belligerence This family's nonstop antisocial behavior and mindless belligerence and myopic priorities are toxic to me. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2026 Indeed, with Iran’s refusal to end hostilities on unfavorable terms and willingness to fight to the end, alongside Israel’s belligerence and desire to disintegrate the Iranian state, risks of further escalation remain. — Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026 Observing how authenticity manifests as uncompromising, or how candor manifests as belligerence, for example, is an important starting point in discovering Integrity. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 On the Season 44 premiere in September 2018, Damon parodied Kavanaugh’s Senate testimony, depicting his belligerence and frequently yelling, referencing beer, among other things — using many of the actual quotes from the hearing. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for belligerence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerence

Noun

Ukraine has every right to attack Russia’s military infrastructure that sustains its aggression.

— David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Issues could include insomnia, aggression, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to psychotropic medication and exacerbation of existing mental illness -- like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

— Mark Prussin, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Dillon Thieneman’s speed Since draft night in April, Thieneman has been lauded for his combination of speed, instincts and aggressiveness.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026
This is a lineup structured to thrive with a small-ball approach — high batting average, chaos and aggressiveness on the basepaths, and manufacturing runs.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

Engelbert has consistently mismanaged the overt physical hostility directed at the league's biggest star.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Today, however, some experts suggest that explicit displays of racial hostility have become more visible in public spaces.

— Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of hostility

Browse Nearby Words

bellies up

belligerence

belligerency

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“Belligerence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of belligerence

noun

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