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aggressive

adjective
ag·​gres·​sive | \ É™-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce aggressive (audio) \

Definition of aggressive

1a : tending toward or exhibiting aggression aggressive behavior
b : marked by combative readiness an aggressive fighter
2a : marked by obtrusive energy and self-assertiveness a rude, aggressive personality
b : marked by driving forceful energy or initiative : enterprising an aggressive salesman
3 : strong or emphatic in effect or intent aggressive colors aggressive flavors
4 : growing, developing, or spreading rapidly aggressive bone tumors
5 : more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent aggressive chemotherapy
Other Words from aggressive Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about aggressive

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Other Words from aggressive

aggressively adverb
aggressiveness noun
aggressivity \ ËŒa-​ËŒgre-​ˈsi-​vÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce aggressivity (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for aggressive

aggressive, militant, assertive, self-assertive mean obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals. aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends. aggressive in his business dealings militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle. militant protesters rallied against the new law assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion. the more assertive speakers dominated the forum self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence. a self-assertive young upstart

Examples of aggressive in a Sentence

He started to get aggressive and began to shout. an aggressive lawyer whose tactics have made people angry The team plays a very aggressive style of defense. The company took aggressive steps to prevent illegal use of their equipment. The publisher has been very aggressive in promoting the book. The city began an aggressive campaign to encourage recycling. an aggressive form of cancer
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Recent Examples on the Web

 More of a three-down, stacked linebacker alignment and configuration with multiple coverages, very aggressive safeties. — James Crepea | The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, "What Mario Cristobal said as Oregon preps to move on to Nevada," 2 Sep. 2019 In the sixth round of the Sinquefield Cup, Hikaru Nakamura—who has a reputation as an attacking player—quietly traded his light-squared bishop for one of Carlsen’s knights during the opening instead of making a more aggressive move. — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, "Magnus Carlsen Was Defeated, But the Draw Remains Dominant in Chess," 30 Aug. 2019 For people like Cynthia Cuffie, 62, the more aggressive push to hire has created opportunities. — Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, "A Hot Job Market Is Causing Labor Pains for State Governments," 30 Aug. 2019 With its industrial-sized front grille opening and more aggressive stance, the latest GT500 should be easy to spot. — Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "Red-carpet rockets: Is 500 hp now theadmission price to supercar club?," 30 Aug. 2019 In spite of the roadblocks, actions by governments and nonprofits might pave the way for others to take a more aggressive stance against appropriation. — Sangeeta Singh-kurtz, Quartzy, "Governments are taking cultural appropriation to court," 28 Aug. 2019 The plan has among the most aggressive timelines for decarbonization of any candidate's plan so far — including a net-zero emissions grid by 2035 — but according to some experts, his nearly $5 trillion plan is a mixed bag. — Caitlin Conant, CBS News, "2020 Daily Trail Markers: Another Kennedy?," 26 Aug. 2019 Over the past few months those hawkish factions have pushed a more aggressive response to Mr Trump’s anti-Iran campaign. — The Economist, "Donald Trump and Hassan Rouhani talk about talking to each other," 26 Aug. 2019 The analysis found that after a tropical cyclone, colonies with the most aggressive spiders produced more eggs and had more offspring that survived. — Fox News, "Spiders are getting angrier because of evolutionary trick to survive ‘climate chaos’," 21 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aggressive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of aggressive

1716, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for aggressive

borrowed from New Latin aggressīvus, from Latin aggressus, past participle of aggredī "to step up to, approach, attack" + -īvus -ive — more at aggress

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More Definitions for aggressive

aggressive

adjective
How to pronounce aggressive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of aggressive

: ready and willing to fight, argue, etc. : feeling or showing aggression
: using forceful methods to succeed or to do something
: very severe

See the full definition for aggressive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

aggressive

adjective
ag·​gres·​sive | \ É™-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce aggressive (audio) \

Kids Definition of aggressive

1 : showing a readiness to fight or argue an aggressive dog aggressive behavior
2 : engaging in hostile action without reasonable cause an aggressive nation
3

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