BELLIGERENCY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

belligerency

noun

bə-ˈlij-rən(t)-sē

Definition of belligerency

as in aggression

an inclination to fight or quarrel an inveterate belligerency that needs to be addressed by classes in anger management

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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 belligerency Contrary to former President Joe Biden, our co-belligerency is not to make Ukraine safe for democracy. — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025 Furthermore, pursuant to Additional Protocol I, Article 47(1), mercenaries do not qualify as combatants, and as such, cannot benefit from the privilege of belligerency. — Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 12 June 2022 So all you're left with was this over the top belligerency of the president, which didn't go over well with people. — NBC News, 4 Oct. 2020 This is also the right time to demonstrate to North Korea that we will not be intimidated or blackmailed by Pyongyang's belligerency. — chicagotribune.com, 6 Sep. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belligerency

Noun

At his best, Fries flies off the ball with force and aggression.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
As quotas for immigration arrests increased that spring, he was asked to press felony charges for even minor aggressions against agents.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

The salaries match, Strus is an expiring contract while Niko has four years left and the 3-point shooting and the aggressiveness of Max are way better than Niko’s.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
This could bring up feelings of resentment, competitiveness or passive aggressiveness, especially if there’s been something simmering in the background.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

Monsoon rains repeatedly destroy their shelter, and the city offers them little beyond hostility and indifference.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
While Connecticut has responded to these attacks, creating a new student loan program and funding tens of millions in research programming in lieu of federal hostility, the attacks keep coming.

— Derek Slap, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostility

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belligerence

belligerency

belligerent

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“Belligerency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belligerency. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of belligerency

noun

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