Belligerent describes someone showing a readiness to fight or argue. It characterizes an aggressive, hostile, and combative attitude, often marked by a willingness to engage in conflict. A belligerent person or nation might display open aggression, provocative language, and a general disposition to quarrel. This behavior can range from verbal sparring to full-blown physical confrontations. The term can also apply to a nation actively engaged in war or a state of armed conflict.
Belligerent meaning with examples
- His belligerent tone immediately put everyone on edge; he challenged the simplest suggestions as personal attacks, spoiling the productive atmosphere of the meeting with his constant need to argue.
- The two countries remained belligerent towards each other for years, engaging in frequent border skirmishes and exchanging hostile rhetoric that fueled distrust and prevented any meaningful peace talks.
- After a few drinks, he became belligerent, starting arguments with strangers in the bar and challenging them to fights, an unfortunately common pattern that embarrassed his friends.
- The lawyer adopted a belligerent stance in court, aggressively cross-examining witnesses and constantly objecting to the opposing counsel's arguments, ultimately hurting his case with the jury.
Belligerent Synonyms
aggressive antagonistic bellicose combative contentious hostile pugnacious quarrelsome truculent warlikeBelligerent Antonyms
agreeable amiable conciliatory cooperative docile friendly gentle non-aggressive pacifistic peacefulBelligerent Crossword Answers
7 Letters
WARRING BATTLER FIGHTER MARTIAL HOSTILE WARLIKE
8 Letters
MILITANT SCRAPPER
9 Letters
WARRIDDEN COMBATANT BELLICOSE
10 Letters
AGGRESSIVE PUGNACIOUS
12 Letters
BLOODTHIRSTY
13 Letters
SABRERATTLING