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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For

Try This

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 Many tech companies built their AI products by training on creative works directly scraped from the Internet, using legal loopholes and aggressive policies to help themselves to data without seeking permission from creators or copyright holders. —

Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 China has become increasingly aggressive in the region as climate change reduces much of the impenetrable Arctic Circle ice to water, Bolton said. —

Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025 But if the majority of your succulent is badly damaged, a more aggressive treatment protocol may be in order. —

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2025 The New Interest Rate Environment After a period of aggressive rate hikes to combat inflation, central banks are now easing their approach. —

Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aggressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive

Adjective

Meanwhile, the story goes, China is powering ahead, pairing ambitious economic and diplomatic agendas with a massive military expansion while the United States staggers under the weight of inequality, stagnating wages, legislative gridlock, political polarization, and populism.

Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
De Bruyne is an ambitious target for a club that will make its professional debut in 2025.

Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025