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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

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 aggressive The frantic, aggressive push to fire workers and gut spending has already upended dozens of lives across the Kansas City region, leaving disoriented ex-employees to try to pick up the pieces. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025 With her outfit switched up to a leather bustier and hot pants combo, Lizzo enjoys being the center off attention until her high starts to turn and the once-friendly dancers get aggressive, things get a bit blurry and the faces around her get zombie-fied. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2025 New numbers show 52% of detainees were originally arrested by ICE compared to 48% first apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), signaling how aggressive the Trump administration is turning toward the interior of the nation for immigration enforcement. Russell Contreras, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 The lessons learned in that recovery could help Nvidia improve execution on its annual roadmap for new data-center AI chips — an important competitive advantage over rivals, if the company can live up to such an aggressive timeline. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive
Adjective
  • At an ambitious 95 minutes, Ghost Boy tends to lag in places, but both director and narrator are aware of their story’s potential to get stuck in a groove, and both are there to pick up the slack whenever it’s needed.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
  • With an extra hour of light, residents in Southern California can go horseback riding in Catalina, hiking ambitious trails or biking along L.A.’s coast.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The militant group has said that the move would affect the remaining hostages as well.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • In December, a coalition of opposition fighters led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over cities and eventually Damascus as regime forces retreated.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While confronting their violent history, a brutal bar fight and deadly feud reignites between Thomas, Ben, and the notorious Five Points Gang.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
  • That career has been highlighted by some of the most violent fights in MMA history.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The bill has been met with both fierce opposition and staunch support from students, professors and community members across the state.
    Amanda McCard, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
  • With Zverev looking to cement his dominance, Alcaraz aiming for a repeat title, and Fritz eager to defend home soil, the competition will be fierce from day one.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The set-up has grown increasingly hostile over time, and became an impassible roadblock when the Lerner family tried to sell the Nationals back in 2022.
    Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Prince overcame the hostile environment and kept TCU afloat during the first quarter when the Horned Frogs struggled to find their footing offensively.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Timing for Fertilizing Roses Healthy repeat-blooming roses require nearly year-round feeding from early spring to fall to remain vigorous and resist diseases.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • All have attractive foliage and most are vigorous spreaders, so keep that in mind when selecting a planting site.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Expectations for women in the workplace are often conflicting: be assertive but not too much, be collaborative yet decisive, and be strong but likable.
    Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In 2020, he was awarded South Carolina’s top honor for assertive journalism.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • European stocks are heading for a higher open on Wednesday amid optimism that U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% duties on Canada and Mexico could be relaxed, with investors also paying attention to the potential reform of Germany’s contentious debt brake system.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
  • President Donald Trump taunted Democrats and fueled new litigation against his contentious policies during his speech to Congress Tuesday while basking in the cheers and applause of fellow Republicans.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressive. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aggressive

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