pugnacity

noun

Definition of pugnacitynext
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel the players need to temper their pugnacity with a little self-restraint—their aggressive style of play too often results in penalties

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pugnacity But all of that is in addition to his defense, his rebounding, his slashing, his voice, his pugnacity. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 22 May 2026 Trump had won by fifty-three points there in 2016, and Greene’s paranoid pugnacity seemed like a good fit, if voters could stomach an outsider. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 That does not mean his pugnacity has dimmed. — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugnacity
  1. aggression
  2. aggressiveness
  3. hostility
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
  • Furthermore, CNNs are exceeding in disease detection and predicting disease aggressiveness and patient prognosis.
    — Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • So will the aggressiveness of the defender after giving up a rebound.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
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

pugnaciousness
pugnacity
pugnose
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Cite this Entry

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

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