pugnacious

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.

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

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

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

John Prescott became a Labour frontbench spokesman in May 1979 and joined the shadow cabinet in 1983, gaining a reputation as a pugnacious and knowledgeable spokesman on transport.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

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