aggressive
adjective
ag·gres·sive
ə-ˈgre-siv 
1
a
: tending toward or exhibiting aggression
aggressive behavior
b
: marked by combative readiness
an aggressive fighter
2
a
: 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
Synonyms
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Masters has leaned heavily on attacks on Hamadeh's religious and cultural identity to discredit his campaign rival and has taken an aggressive tack on matters of race and immigration, including flirting with an immigration conspiracy theory first popular among white nationalists.
—
Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2024
In an interview, Tong said consumers need to be wary of aggressive, fast-talking sales pitches, especially those that are door-to-door.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2024
On past ballot initiatives requested by the district, including tax increases to pay for teacher raises and school construction, the district launched an aggressive public awareness campaign that included social media blasts, media interviews and town halls.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 27 July 2024
On Friday, the Orioles’ moves are defined by another word: aggressive.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for aggressive 
Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2024
In an interview, Tong said consumers need to be wary of aggressive, fast-talking sales pitches, especially those that are door-to-door.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2024
On past ballot initiatives requested by the district, including tax increases to pay for teacher raises and school construction, the district launched an aggressive public awareness campaign that included social media blasts, media interviews and town halls.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 27 July 2024
On Friday, the Orioles’ moves are defined by another word: aggressive.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for aggressive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aggressive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near aggressive
Cite this Entry
“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressive. Accessed 3 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aggressive
adjective
ag·gres·sive
ə-ˈgres-iv
1
a
: showing readiness to attack
an aggressive dog
b
: practicing aggression
an aggressive nation
2
: being forceful in getting things done
an aggressive sales campaign
3
: growing, developing, or spreading rapidly
aggressive weeds
aggressively
adverb
aggressiveness
noun
Medical Definition
aggressive
adjective
ag·gres·sive
ə-ˈgres-iv
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
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