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 Contrary to former President Joe Biden, our co-belligerency is not to make Ukraine safe for democracy. — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025 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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerency

Noun

Trump and Lee must restore deterrence, not reward Kim’s aggression, to avoid strategic and economic calamity.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
The aggression paid off as Kansas converted five fourth downs while improving to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Hatred toward minorities is not new in America, but the recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes