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Definitions

pugnacious

[puhg-ney-shuhs] / pʌgˈneɪ ʃəs /
ADJECTIVE
belligerent
Synonyms
WEAK
aggressive antagonistic argumentative bellicose brawling cantankerous chip on shoulder choleric combative contentious defiant disputatious have a bone to pick hot-tempered irascible irritable itching to fight militant petulant pushing pushy quarrelsome ready to fight rebellious salty scrappy self-assertive truculent warlike
Antonyms
WEAK
easygoing kind laid-back 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.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a less pugnacious message when compared with last year’s Munich conference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

The firm brought a new, more pugnacious approach to the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

But Zitron established himself as one of the most pugnacious critics of Big Tech after he penned a 2023 newsletter about tech products’ drift from quality toward mindless growth.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2025

Mr. Prescott also had a reputation as a pugnacious political bruiser.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2024

He turned with surprise to face a stout, pugnacious colonel with a large head and mustache and a smooth, florid skin.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller