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aggressive

adjective
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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 Phrases Containing aggressive Learn More About aggressive

Other Words from aggressive

aggressively adverb
aggressiveness noun
aggressivity \ ˌa-​ˌgre-​ˈsi-​və-​tē How to pronounce aggressive (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 See More
Recent Examples on the Web Somebody Somewhere, critical favorites that will require nurturing and aggressive drum-banging to remain visible. — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 May 2022 These tragic circumstances reinforce the limits of individuals and even small collectives; when lives are on the line, quick, early, and aggressive government support for the vulnerable can be essential to survival. — Eleanor Cummins, The New Republic, 26 May 2022 Lone star ticks are less than an eighth of an inch long and very aggressive. — Sara Goudarzi, Scientific American, 23 May 2022 Rathom also exploited the espionage of Emanuel Voska, a Czech American who became an aggressive and effective spy working to undermine the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its ally Germany. — Robert G. Kaiser, Washington Post, 20 May 2022 Also, the whole feeling is less aggressive and more laid back. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 20 May 2022 Some of it is baserunning that proves more improved and aggressive by the day. — Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2022 Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash takes an aggressive and fundamental approach in his game plans, and his players respond by applying pressure on the bases and consistently putting the ball in play. — Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 16 May 2022 This is another reason to pull back, because there’s a part of me which is really subversive and aggressive and is kind of [messing] with people. — New York Times, 16 May 2022 See More

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.

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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Time Traveler for aggressive

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The first known use of aggressive was in 1716

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Dictionary Entries Near aggressive

aggression

aggressive

aggressor

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Statistics for aggressive

Last Updated

1 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for aggressive

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 : being forceful in getting things done an overly aggressive salesperson

Other Words from aggressive

aggressively adverb
aggressiveness noun

aggressive

adjective
ag·​gres·​sive | \ ə-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce aggressive (audio) \

Medical Definition of aggressive

1 : tending toward or exhibiting aggression aggressive behavior
2 : growing, developing, or spreading rapidly aggressive bone tumors
3 : more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent aggressive chemotherapy aggressive surgical intervention — compare conservative

Other Words from aggressive

aggressively adverb
aggressiveness noun
aggressivity \ ˌag-​ˌre-​ˈsiv-​ət-​ē How to pronounce aggressive (audio) \ noun, plural aggressivities

More from Merriam-Webster on aggressive

Nglish: Translation of aggressive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of aggressive for Arabic Speakers

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