belligerent

[buh-lij-er-uhnt] / bəˈlɪdʒ ər ənt /

ADJECTIVE

nasty, argumentative

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggressive antagonistic bellicose combative contentious hostile ornery quarrelsome

STRONG

fighting flip mean militant

WEAK

ardent at loggerheads battling cantankerous fierce have a bone to pick have chip on shoulder have it in for hot hot-tempered on the outs pugnacious scrappy truculent warlike

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable calm friendly kind peaceful

STRONG

peaceloving

WEAK

cooperative helping nice

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.

If he weren’t so visibly exhausted, he’d probably be a lot more belligerent.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2026

A recent report by Mexico’s Attorney General’s office says the Mayitos have “shown a more belligerent profile” than their opponents.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

But Linda is the belligerent role model for everyone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Once the cricket finally started, Ishan Kishan's belligerent hitting delighted the Indian-heavy crowd - which, it should be said, was not at capacity.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

“You’re mighty belligerent toward a feeble old man, but if you wish to continue in darkness that is your privilege. “

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

Vocabulary lists containing belligerent

List 3

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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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A Wrinkle in Time

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