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 Words From

• 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

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

From BBC

The cacophony of an independence referendum campaign which had echoed through Scotland for three years had died away and Alex Salmond, so often the embodiment of pugnacious self-confidence, appeared pale and drained.

From BBC

He was a primary colours politician — waspish, pugnacious, unrelenting, engaging — and at once complicated and undoubtedly controversial, in his politics and his personal conduct.

From BBC

Witnesses called him "extraordinarily pugnacious" and "extremely demanding".

From BBC

They believe they articulate a distinctive, original, pugnacious Conservatism that would present the government with the most awkward opposition.

From BBC