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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.

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

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026

Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg made an extended, pugnacious appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, defending his company from the witness stand against a lawsuit that alleges social media harms children.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

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

Gulbadin Naib had earlier provided the backbone of Afghanistan's 182-6 with a pugnacious 63 off 35 balls.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Huxley was the most vocal and pugnacious of them all, and earned the nickname of Darwins bulldog.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman




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