BELLIGERENCY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

belligerency

noun

bə-ˈlij-rən(t)-sē

Definition of belligerency

as in aggression

an inclination to fight or quarrel an inveterate belligerency that needs to be addressed by classes in anger management

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 belligerency So all you're left with was this over the top belligerency of the president, which didn't go over well with people. — NBC News, 4 Oct. 2020 Contrary to former President Joe Biden, our co-belligerency is not to make Ukraine safe for democracy. — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025 This is also the right time to demonstrate to North Korea that we will not be intimidated or blackmailed by Pyongyang's belligerency. — chicagotribune.com, 6 Sep. 2017 Furthermore, pursuant to Additional Protocol I, Article 47(1), mercenaries do not qualify as combatants, and as such, cannot benefit from the privilege of belligerency. — Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 12 June 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerency

Noun

Hello to a new era The relationship was characterized by passive aggression, cryptic tweets and small slights that added up to a big, if not inevitable, breakup.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Ukraine and its neighbors are increasingly skeptical that the US will come to their aid in the face of Russian aggression, and are taking precautions accordingly.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 July 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

The Art, Not Science, of Leadership Ultimately, the hostility toward dual-class shares reflects a broader cultural shift in how many good governance advocates view corporate leadership.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Because that opposition is motivated in part by hostility to artificial intelligence.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 6 July 2026

Definition of hostility

Browse Nearby Words

belligerence

belligerency

belligerent

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of belligerency

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on belligerency

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes