as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
bellicose hockey players who seem to spend more time fighting than playing
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Recent Examples of bellicose
The unsustainable present Confronting multiple crises, Cuba’s leaders continue to blame the U.S. embargo and policy from Washington that has become only more bellicose under President Donald Trump.
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Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
So, despite the bellicose rhetoric often emanating from the White House and Capitol Hill, don’t be surprised if the two sides reach a pragmatic deal.
—semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday authorizing the Department of Defense to refer to itself as the Department of War, reverting to a more bellicose title used until a 1940s-era military shakeup in the aftermath of World War II.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2025
Britain, which ruled Canada, was eyeing the rich territory, so Nicholas sold it for $7 million to a less bellicose bidder: The United States.
—Dan Morrison, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellicose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellicose
Adjective
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That’s the kind of chance that last season, a more aggressive-looking Stolarz would have used his frame — and frankly, his big-game presence — to turn away with ease.—
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The agency has also faced criticism for aggressive tactics used by ICE agents in executing the president’s immigration policy.—
Adjective
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Israel and the Lebanese militant group exchanged fire for over a year before reaching a ceasefire in November 2024.—
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Iran has been plagued for years by staggering hyperinflation, fueled by Western sanctions imposed over the hardline clerical government's nuclear program and backing for militant groups across the region.—
Adjective
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Skepticism came easily to Trump, who had long been hostile to mainstream foreign policy.—
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The helicopter the pilot was flying — a heavy, twin-rotor MH-47 Chinook — was struck by hostile fire during the operation.—
Adjective
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In this context, Trump’s belligerent signaling has created a perverse strategic dilemma for Latin American governments.—
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His was an innings of belligerent brilliance.—
Adjective
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Ludwig’s distant paternal ancestors were in fact German Jewish merchants, not warlike princes.—
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To many Chicagoans, the warlike atmosphere is the result of the increasing aggression of the federal government.—
Cite this Entry
“Bellicose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellicose. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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