as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the players need to temper their pugnacity with a little self-restraint—their aggressive style of play too often results in penalties
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugnacity
Noun
-
Both cited trade deadline aggression from general manager Brian Cashman as their reason for picking the Yankees.—
Tim Crowley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025 -
Gone is the bulky cladding, revealing the raw aggression of the Wilbers chassis, boxer engine, and extra-long swingarm.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Without an end to hostilities, no humanitarian corridor can function safely, Palestinian civilians cannot be reached at scale and the hostages will not return home.—
David Miliband,
Time,
29 July 2025
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On Sunday Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called for a swift end to hostilities.—
Kate Bartlett,
NPR,
28 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pugnacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugnacity. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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