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aggressive behavior
assertive behavior
hostile behavior
belligerent behavior
violent behavior
dominant behavior
an aggressive approach
a proactive approach
a vigorous approach
a strong approach
an active approach
an assertive approach
an aggressive treatment
an intense treatment
a vigorous treatment
an accelerated treatment
a rigorous treatment
an extreme treatment

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aggressive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aggressive are assertive, militant, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

When is assertive a more appropriate choice than aggressive?

Although the words assertive and aggressive have much in common, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

In what contexts can militant take the place of aggressive?

In some situations, the words militant and aggressive are roughly equivalent. However, militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

Where would self-assertive be a reasonable alternative to aggressive?

The words self-assertive and aggressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

Examples 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 aggressive Caesars' protection should inspire new bettors to make a more aggressive wager than usual, knowing a loss means another chance to win cash. Tim Van Straten, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The Harris team has not tried to hide the aggressive effort to boost voter turnout—especially among Black men. Philip Eliott / Detroit, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 Should Harris have adopted a more aggressive media strategy? Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Joe Gibbs Racing cannot protest the ruling and on Monday morning Christopher Bell threw some shade on social media with a passive aggressive dig that Chevys were in cahoots to advance their own drivers. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aggressive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive
Adjective
  • The outcome of the local transportation referendum could set the stage for decades of ambitious government projects.
    Adam Tamburin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Its winding, disjointed, miles contain more interesting people and places than even an ambitious guidebook writer could ever hope to chronicle.
    Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Israel denies allegations of genocide in its more than year-long offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas.
    Reuters, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Hamas kidnapped more than 200 Israelis and killed 1,200 others last Oct. 7, when the militant group's fighters overran the border with Gaza in a surprise attack.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The abuse and neglect have long-lasting effects on an already vulnerable population and have even led to the conviction of some employees for violent crimes, the report says.
    Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The Taliban's violent suppression of criticism, along with draconian crackdowns on women's rights, meant journalists who stayed in Afghanistan were at constant risk of being detained, tortured, disappeared or killed.
    Trisha Mukherjee, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Competition is fierce:Phoenix progressives want their City Council seat back Who is running for Phoenix District 5? Maryvale-area residents will choose between incumbent Councilwoman Betty Guardado and challenger JJ Martinez in District 5.
    Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Cardinals looked like a fierce unit, though, and that’s what the Bears have done way too much — make pedestrian defenses without key difference-makers look legitimate.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Oasis endured a hostile split in 2009, after years of headlines related to the Gallagher siblings’ fierce rivalry.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
  • As Assad’s government teetered on the brink of collapse, Hezbollah stepped in decisively to safeguard the regime and prevent the emergence of a new regime in Damascus that would be hostile to the axis.
    Renad Mansour, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • You might be involved in sports in a vigorous way today.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Most were evident when Newsom was elected governor in 2018, promising vigorous efforts to neutralize them, such as his ridiculous pledge to build 3.5 million units of housing, but most have become even more intractable during his reign.
    Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Though the Chinese Communist Party has never governed Taiwan, Beijing has grown more assertive in recent years.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, which is crucial to international trade.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Murphy admits the divided board might present a challenge as contentious conversations continue, particularly surrounding a $200 million restructuring plan for the district that involves adding middle schools.
    Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Senate blocking is rare By stepping aside, Gaetz avoids what was shaping up to be a contentious confirmation battle that would have tested the limits of Senate Republicans' willingness to back Trump's Cabinet selections.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near aggressive

Cite this Entry

“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on aggressive

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