Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

pugnacious

[puhg-ney-shuhs] / pʌgˈneɪ ʃəs /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Charli's new songs find her grappling with whether she can stay true to her pugnacious, subversive roots while enjoying commercial success and personal happiness.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2026

Ann Widdecombe was pugnacious, charismatic, barbed and yes, had a sense of silliness too.

From BBC Jul. 10, 2026

The Russian mobster decides that the brother-sister act—she pugnacious, he perpetually panic-stricken—can be useful.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 9, 2026

“Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man!,” the pugnacious “In Da Club” artist said on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 2, 2025

He had help in this effort from several people, including publisher Louis Austin, who, though aging and in ill health, was as pugnacious as ever.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson




Vocabulary lists containing pugnacious


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training