1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversial
given to arguing
a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scrappy
The entire production was a scrappy affair, which wasn't unfamiliar territory for the cast.
—
Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 June 2025
Big Bluff is also known for its scrappy juniper trees, which are estimated to be 800 years old.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 29 May 2025
The longtime friends had minimal expectations for their scrappy show, which opened in 2019 at a small London theater.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 May 2025
The big, scrappy group accentuates Brunson’s strengths and covers for his weaknesses.
—Jovan Buha, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 June 2025
Big Bluff is also known for its scrappy juniper trees, which are estimated to be 800 years old.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 29 May 2025
The longtime friends had minimal expectations for their scrappy show, which opened in 2019 at a small London theater.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 May 2025
The big, scrappy group accentuates Brunson’s strengths and covers for his weaknesses.
—Jovan Buha, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrappy
Adjective
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Addressing the Obvious Critiques Yes, 3–4% real growth is aggressive.—
Don Muir,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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After the aggressive animal showed no signs of leaving, the woman’s boyfriend fatally shot it, officials said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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But with the event falling on June 14, President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—and with his name, presence, and fingerprints woven throughout—the military spectacle has become one of the most controversial and polarizing public displays in the nation’s capital in years.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 June 2025
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But in the 1990s, the U.S. government undertook one of the most controversial wildlife programs in history — capturing wild wolves in Canada and reintroducing them in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.—
Clark Corbin,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The aid group accused Hamas of carrying out the assault; the militant group has not yet responded to the allegations.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
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Some activists have been criticized for spreading messages seen as antisemitic or outright supportive of militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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The contentious professional relationship between billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has seemingly come to an end.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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One particularly contentious confrontation occurred at a Home Depot in the heavily Latino city of Paramount, just outside Los Angeles.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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The crowd was right on top of you there, the students rimmed the court, the very definition of a hostile environment.—
Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
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That’s coupled with a more hostile political environment for diversity-forward businesses.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Their relationship can be difficult as AM is stubborn and likes to have her way always.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Rick McConnell said that this sounds like his mom, who is stubborn.—
Bella Waters,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Shay Hatten’s script doesn’t communicate the central character or her motivations well, and de Armas — who is feisty, scrappy and fun to watch — doesn’t convey the kind of sorrowful burden of vengeance that Reeves did so beautifully as John Wick.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2025
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June 5 is likely to be feisty, flirty, social and fun.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrappy. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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