pugnacious

[ puhg-ney-shuhs ]

adjective

1. inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome; belligerent; combative.

   Synonyms: bellicose, contentious, argumentative

   Antonyms: agreeable

pugnacious

/ pʌɡˈneɪʃəs; pʌɡˈnæsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. readily disposed to fight; belligerent

Derived Forms

• pugnacity, noun
• pugˈnaciously, adverb

Other Word Forms

• pug·na·cious·ly adverb
• pug·nac·i·ty [puhg-, nas, -i-tee], pug·na·cious·ness noun
• un·pug·na·cious adjective
• un·pug·na·cious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugnacious¹

First recorded in 1635–45; pugnaci(ty) (from Latin pugnācitās “combativeness,” equivalent to pugnāci-, stem of pugnāx combative (akin to pugil; pugilism ) + -tās -ty ² ) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugnacious¹

C17: from Latin pugnāx

Example Sentences

Right-wing ideologues created a media empire by turning politics into a pugnacious combat sport and ignoring inconvenient facts, following the Rush Limbaugh model.

From Salon

Rumor is the pugnacious Irish actor Jack O’Connell plays the villain.

From Los Angeles Times

It has also prompted a debate about what is the smartest strategy for Canada to deal with the pugnacious American leader: pushing back or taking a more conciliatory approach.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Prescott also had a reputation as a pugnacious political bruiser.

From New York Times

"She has been described as pugnacious," Mrs Allen, 59, said.

From BBC