pugnacious Definition
- 1eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
- 2having the appearance of a willing fighter
Using pugnacious: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pugnacious" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He had a pugnacious attitude towards anyone who challenged him.
Example
The boxer had a pugnacious stance in the ring.
Example
The pugnacious tone of his voice made it clear he was spoiling for a fight.
pugnacious Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for pugnacious
Antonyms for pugnacious
Idioms Using pugnacious
to emerge from a situation ready to fight or argue
Example
After the meeting, she came out pugnacious and ready to take on anyone who disagreed with her.
punch-drunk pugnacity
a state of being so battered or beaten that one continues to fight despite being unable to win
Example
Despite being down by several points, the boxer showed punch-drunk pugnacity and refused to give up.
extremely combative or aggressive
Example
The lawyer was pugnacious as a bulldog in the courtroom, never backing down from a challenge.
Phrases with pugnacious
a facial expression that suggests readiness to fight or argue
Example
The pugnacious look on his face made me think twice about confronting him.
a disposition that is argumentative, confrontational, or combative
Example
His pugnacious personality made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.
a manner of speaking or writing that is aggressive or contentious
Example
The politician's pugnacious style turned off many voters.
Origins of pugnacious
from Latin 'pugnax', meaning 'combative'
Summary: pugnacious in Brief
The adjective 'pugnacious' [pʌɡˈneɪʃəs] describes someone who is eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. It can also refer to having the appearance of a willing fighter. Examples include 'He had a pugnacious attitude towards anyone who challenged him.' and 'The pugnacious tone of his voice made it clear he was spoiling for a fight.' The phrase 'pugnacious look' denotes a facial expression that suggests readiness to fight or argue, while 'come out pugnacious' means to emerge from a situation ready to fight or argue.