GLADIATORIAL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

gladiatorial

adjective

Definition of gladiatorial

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight not a reasoned discussion but a shouting match between gladiatorial pundits from opposite ends of the political spectrum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 gladiatorial The mainly movie channel ventured into original programming with the tale of a Thracian soldier who is condemned to fight in Rome's gladiatorial arenas, only to become a champion and vow to bring down the Empire. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 Erivo plays a British defense barrister who exudes enviable brilliance in navigating the ruthless and gladiatorial London courtrooms. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026 This one has been commemorated by a gladiatorial contest on the White House grounds and by an, apparently coming up, a long speech by the president of the day. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 Some critics view gladiatorial displays of violence as inappropriate for a historic anniversary and complain that the spectacle hits a discordant note amid war in Iran and rising prices. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Hansen and his Dateline NBC crew made gladiatorial reality TV disguised as public service. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Fighting those of a comparable or higher status brought greater prizes, advancement in the rankings, and more glory, perhaps even discharge from the gladiatorial school. — Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 One of the city’s star attractions is the huge 25,000-seat Great Theater, used for theatrical performances, public assemblies, religious ceremonies and, in the Roman era, gladiatorial battles. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 In America's gladiatorial two-party system, that could well deprive Republicans of a winning political issue with which to batter out-of-touch, climate change-besotted Democrats. — MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladiatorial

Adjective

Cramer also pointed to Abercrombie's aggressive share repurchases as another boost to earnings per share.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough, being aggressive in what was a must-win series finale against the Washington Nationals, chose to go to his bullpen early.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

Abductions are common in Nigeria, where militant groups target schoolchildren and other civilians to put pressure on the government and extract ransoms.

— Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
The strikes came after Israel blamed the militant Hezbollah group for firing two explosive drones.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

Several cities across the nation are locked in a contentious debate over Flock cameras, but in Erlanger, that decision has been made.

— Brooklyn Andres, Fox 19 Cincinnati, 28 Aug. 2026
The latest version of the polling place plan follows a contentious August meeting about a proposal to reduce the number of Election Day voting locations for the November midterm from 316 in 2022 to 176 in 2026.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

Forecasters said the system is expected to be short-lived because of hostile environmental conditions starting on Friday that will prevent it from developing further.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Electronic warfare systems such as NGJ-MB are carried by aircraft and use advanced electronics to interfere with or counter hostile electromagnetic systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostile

Adjective

Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Definition of warlike

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

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Synonyms of gladiatorial

adjective

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