warlike

[ wawr-lahyk ]

adjective

1. fit, qualified, or ready for war; martial:

   a warlike fleet; warlike tribes.

2. threatening or indicating war:

   a warlike tone.

   Synonyms: unfriendly, inimical, hostile, belligerent, bellicose

   Antonyms: peaceful

3. of or relating to war:

   a warlike expedition.

warlike

/ ˈwɔːˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or used in war
2. hostile or belligerent
3. fit or ready for war

Other Words From

• un·warlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of warlike¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; war ¹, -like

Example Sentences

Significant Houthi damage to a U.S. naval vessel at any point in the future could plunge Washington into warlike acts that might risk direct conflict with Iran.

From Salon

This must be a very warlike planet indeed.

From Literature

But, come to think of it, the owl, who was not civilized, was pretty warlike too.

From Literature

In 568 C.E., according to contemporary records, warlike horse riders from the Mongolian steppes called the Avars surged into the grassy plains flanking the Danube River, in roughly the territory of modern Hungary.

From Science Magazine

Male chimpanzees are “physically quite brutal” toward females and coerce them into sex, Hare explains, which could give particularly forceful individuals more opportunities to mate and pass on their warlike traits to the next generation.

From Science Magazine