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aggressive

adjective
ag·​gres·​sive | \ ə-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 \ ˌa-​ˌgre-​ˈsi-​və-​tē 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

 Davis is able to stand up again and is aggressive with his striking but that allows Kang to get another takedown. — Todd Martin, Los Angeles Times, "UFC 241 live updates: Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic," 17 Aug. 2019 The pool of applicants has already surpassed last year’s number by several hundred, which Shaw attributed to aggressive recruiting efforts in Texas and across the country. — David Tarrant, Dallas News, "Dallas police have seized 200 guns as summer campaign aims to stem violence," 16 Aug. 2019 Younger staffers generally feel The Times should be more aggressive and explicit in its coverage of Trump. — Oliver Darcy, CNN, "Inside The New York Times as it debates its coverage of Trump and racism," 14 Aug. 2019 Over the past 30 years, Fisher has established some of the most aggressive recycling programs in fashion. — Vogue, "The Women Designers Who Changed The Way We Dress," 14 Aug. 2019 But the administration appears to have been far less aggressive in going after corporations involved in those cases. — Renae Merle, Washington Post, "As workplace raids multiply, Trump administration charges few companies," 10 Aug. 2019 Netflix has been especially aggressive in poaching talent from Disney ahead of the launch of Disney+. — Natalie Jarvey, The Hollywood Reporter, "Netflix Under Pressure: Can a Hollywood Disruptor Avoid Getting Disrupted?," 8 Aug. 2019 And after Neal sued to get the tax returns earlier this year, the congressman is taking heat from the left for not being more aggressive in using every legal tool at his disposal to challenge the Trump administration’s recalcitrance. — Victoria Mcgrane, BostonGlobe.com, "‘The era of waiting your turn is being dismantled’: Democrats line up to run for Congress in Mass.," 7 Aug. 2019 Since protesters started to increasingly target police stations this past weekend, officers have appeared to be more aggressive in making arrests. — Austin Ramzy, New York Times, "Hong Kong Strike Sinks City Into Chaos, and Government Has Little Reply," 5 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 | \ ə-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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