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

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 One is that aggressive episodes between the males may be too short or minor to trigger a hormonal response. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025 Eight years later, polls show the president has more support in the country for aggressive limits on immigration, in part because of a surge in migrants crossing the southern border during much of Mr. Biden’s time in office. —

Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 An aggressive exterior, with more aero and venting, hints at the performance potential within. —

Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Take London, which was a clear hotspot (and will continue to be, for some time): Mandarin Oriental opened its second spot in the capital, barely minutes in a limo from its existing Knightsbridge perch, while Maybourne’s soon-to-be aggressive expansion was teed up by the arrival of the sleek Emory. —

Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aggressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressive

Adjective

Disney and Lucasfilm's plans for Star Wars TV shows remain ambitious, but there's an intention to return to theatrical installments in the near future, with The Mandalorian & Grogu leading the charge in 2026.

— Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Genomic sequencing, which deciphers the entire viral genome, is more ambitious.

— Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025