aggression

noun

ə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce aggression (audio)
Definition of aggressionnext
1
as in aggressiveness
an inclination to fight or quarrel though the dogs have a reputation for aggression, many of their owners insist they make gentle pets

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence diplomats warned that any aggression by either side could easily turn into a full-scale war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of aggression This aggression is possible in large part because the institutions responsible for managing the oceans are ineffectual. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 For more than four years, neither country has managed to establish rules and laws to stop Russian citizens who have supported Putin’s aggression against Ukraine from sharing war propaganda within their borders. — Dominik Hasek, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 Large sections of chairs in the hall were empty as delegations filed out in protest of Iranian aggression. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026 Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iran while portraying his country as the victim of aggression. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggression
  1. aggressiveness
  2. attack
  3. hostility
  4. assault
  5. defiance
  6. offensive
  7. belligerence
  8. offense
Noun
  • Stunned at first by his opponent’s aggressiveness and the onslaught of personal attacks, Ted trains himself to withstand the barrages and to respond in kind.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An inmate died in an apparent homicide Tuesday morning after an attack by another prisoner at California State Prison, Sacramento, state corrections officials said.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Syrian families in Magdeburg are weighing whether to stay, as AfD campaign promises of faster deportations and tighter asylum limits deepen fears of hostility and exclusion.
    — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This online abuse and hostility experienced by trans people in the UK is part of a broader picture of the UK becoming a hostile climate for trans people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • The University of Arizona has suspended activities at its fraternities following persistent reports of misconduct, including assault, hazing and drug and alcohol-related behavior, a university official said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Fleming was received from Los Angeles County in 2019 to serve a 42-year sentence for second-degree robbery and assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • The widespread use of arrests, tear gas and riot-control weapons against teenagers is fueling defiance and angering some parents and teachers.
    — NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The plotters could not stop the news of Yeltsin’s defiance from spreading, and the coup collapsed within three days.
    — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of defiance
Noun
  • However, further Houthi offensives have met stiffer resistance from the recuperated forces of the Presidential Leadership Council, depriving the group of another quick victory.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Observers say Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a ground offensive aimed at preventing the Houthis from consolidating their gains on the Red Sea coast and reversing the tide.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of offensive
Noun
  • Trump's belligerence reinvigorated Canada's Liberal Party, with Mark Carney winning the April 2025 election to continue on as prime minister.
    — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Unfortunately, however, the warmth and love of the old pub-rocking 101’ers has been traded for a new aggression and belligerence.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of belligerence
Noun
  • The young defense, which dominated the NFC’s worst offense statistically in Minnesota, will continue to get tested.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to an explosive offense that was top 10 in both home runs and slugging percentage during the regular season, the White Sox have employed a unique pitching strategy, relying heavily on their relievers to throw multiple innings.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of offense

Browse Nearby Words

aggregations
aggression
aggressions
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Cite this Entry

“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggression. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aggression

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aggression

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