GLADIATORIAL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

gladiatorial

adjective

Definition of gladiatorial

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight not a reasoned discussion but a shouting match between gladiatorial pundits from opposite ends of the political spectrum

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 gladiatorial Use the same term in connection with the mental vagaries of a gladiatorial spectacle? — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 There was a gladiatorial spirit to the earlier stadium, with its dual towers connected by an elegantly curving grandstand with a series of arches facing the street. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 The mainly movie channel ventured into original programming with the tale of a Thracian soldier who is condemned to fight in Rome's gladiatorial arenas, only to become a champion and vow to bring down the Empire. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 Erivo plays a British defense barrister who exudes enviable brilliance in navigating the ruthless and gladiatorial London courtrooms. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026 This one has been commemorated by a gladiatorial contest on the White House grounds and by an, apparently coming up, a long speech by the president of the day. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 Some critics view gladiatorial displays of violence as inappropriate for a historic anniversary and complain that the spectacle hits a discordant note amid war in Iran and rising prices. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Hansen and his Dateline NBC crew made gladiatorial reality TV disguised as public service. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Fighting those of a comparable or higher status brought greater prizes, advancement in the rankings, and more glory, perhaps even discharge from the gladiatorial school. — Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladiatorial

Adjective

Bam Adebayo wasn’t aggressive enough on the offensive side of the ball, which has been a consistent story line of his nine-year NBA career.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
On a network like this, rule-breaking often isn’t aggressive at all.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, while Conservative David Amess was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the militant Islamic State group.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Labor lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, while Conservative David Amess was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the militant Islamic State group.

— Rod McGuirk, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

This issue is particularly relevant in California, where billionaire wealth is often tied to technology companies, startup equity and other illiquid assets whose valuations can fluctuate sharply and become contentious.

— Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
It was conceived following months of extensive negotiation that grew contentious at times between Zuckerberg and board members, including DoorDash CEO Tony Xu, Ambassador Robert Kimmitt, and ex-Microsoft executive Charles Songhurst.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

About 70% of the members of Brazil’s lower house and 80% of the Senate are considered to be hostile to environmental and climate agendas, according to the observatory.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
In a turnabout from Orbán’s hostile approach to Kyiv, Magyar’s government has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and designated Russia a national security threat.

— Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostile

Adjective

Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Definition of warlike

Browse Nearby Words

gladiator

gladiatorial

gladiators

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gladiatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladiatorial. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of gladiatorial

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

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

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes