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

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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 Bobby is, of course, Bob Dylan, played here by Timothée Chalamet in a near-magical performance that throws off all the right kind of sparks: newness, genius, a touch of aloofness that was probably easier for Dylan to fake than modesty and, under it all, a kind of aggressive, combative hunger. —

Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Related Articles Once privatized, Nordstrom isn’t expected to diverge much from its current priorities involving aggressive expansion of the Rack off-price chain, digital growth and comp gains at the Nordstrom upscale department store business. —

David Moin, WWD, 24 Dec. 2024 And that's not to mention that aggressive recliners have been known to knock over drinks and damage laptops behind them. —

Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024 Kristin talks with peers, peers’ parents, and every staff member, explaining how the dog is trained, how to behave around it, and soothing any worries regarding potential aggressive actions. —

Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aggressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive

Adjective

The Madame Tussauds wax museum in London pulls the curtain back on what reps describe as its most structurally ambitious figure to date – the Rocket Man suspended in the air over a baby grand piano.

Lars Brandle, Billboard, 20 Dec. 2024
This pragmatic yet ambitious approach is already yielding remarkable results across multiple fronts.

Bernard Marr, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024