AGGRESSIVE Synonyms: 235 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

aggressive

adjective

ə-ˈgre-siv

Definition of aggressive next

as in ambitious

having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal if you don't take a more aggressive approach to this yard pretty soon, the weeds are going to take over completely

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in militant

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight a kindergarten teacher who discourages aggressive behavior, like pushing, by rewarding those children who wait their turn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violent

marked by or uttered with forcefulness the team's game strategy depends on a very aggressive style of defense

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The pick: Mater Dei. Division 1-A: Huntington Beach Edison (11-4) vs. Fresno Central (12-2) at Saddleback College, 3 p.m. Edison has come on strong with a team approach featuring quarterback Sam Thomson, running back Julius Gillick and an aggressive defense. —

Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024 On his first day in office on Dec. 3, Hochman rescinded many of Gascón’s directives, freeing up prosecutors to file enhancements and make other more aggressive charging decisions. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024 Ferguson will be taking over for current FTC Chair Lina Khan, who led the Biden administration’s aggressive antitrust push. —

Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024 Those are rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumors that typically occur in children between the ages of 5 and 7. —

Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aggressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive

Adjective

Concord was PlayStation's ambitious triple-A hero shooter that never lived long enough to amass a large player base.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Given that circumstance, Katz said, an ambitious institution such as Williams College, located in a tiny town in Massachusetts three hours from Boston and New York City, has no choice but to hire partners to compete for the best faculty.

Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024