1
as in controversial
given to arguing
he's too argumentative to be part of a project in which teamwork is critical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
an argumentative gang of bullies always looking for a fight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
a topic that sparked more than a few argumentative conversations around the watercooler
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 argumentative
Hosts sometimes have an argumentative style or adopt rhetorical strategies such as irony, jokes, and humor.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
13 May 2026
Trotsky’s arguments about revolution in one nation versus a revolution of the international proletariat, like the fine argumentative tracery of Paul’s Jewish Christians versus Greek ones, seemed vital to the movement at the time but weirdly trivial and abstract to those outside it.
—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
After winning modifications to the ballot label to remove argumentative and prejudicial language, taxpayers are suing the measure proponents over their ballot argument.
—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
The course is designed to help students develop skills in reading, writing and academic discussion, Howard said, with a focus on literary analysis and working toward argumentative essays by the end of the year.
—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Encyclopedia Britannica,
13 May 2026
Trotsky’s arguments about revolution in one nation versus a revolution of the international proletariat, like the fine argumentative tracery of Paul’s Jewish Christians versus Greek ones, seemed vital to the movement at the time but weirdly trivial and abstract to those outside it.
—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
After winning modifications to the ballot label to remove argumentative and prejudicial language, taxpayers are suing the measure proponents over their ballot argument.
—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
The course is designed to help students develop skills in reading, writing and academic discussion, Howard said, with a focus on literary analysis and working toward argumentative essays by the end of the year.
—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for argumentative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argumentative
Adjective
-
In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
-
One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.
Adjective
-
The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
-
Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
Adjective
-
These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
-
However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
Adjective
-
Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
-
Tarring someone with the pedant brush is polemical, of course.
Adjective
-
Yet Piker himself has followed the DSA’s militant line, repeatedly praising authoritarian regimes such as China’s, Cuba’s, and Russia’s, as well as terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
-
There are also concerns that fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon could escalate once more and derail future talks.
Adjective
-
The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
-
Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
Adjective
-
And until a Black commentator is held responsible for making openly hostile remarks about White people, nothing will change.
-
For example, in March, the crypto exchange Kraken put its multibillion‑dollar IPO on hold amid hostile market conditions, according to CoinDesk.
Adjective
-
The symptoms are so delayed that people often blame them on food poisoning, irritable-bowel syndrome, gluten intolerance.
-
Cancer could be affectionate and chatty one moment, and withdrawn and irritable the next, with little to no explanation.
Cite this Entry
“Argumentative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argumentative. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
