pugnacious

[pʌɡˈneɪʃəs]

pugnacious Definition

• 1. eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
• 2. having 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

• combative
• aggressive
• belligerent
• bellicose
• contentious

Antonyms for pugnacious

• peaceful
• conciliatory

Idioms Using pugnacious

• come out 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.

• pugnacious as a bulldog

  extremely combative or aggressive

  Example

  The lawyer was pugnacious as a bulldog in the courtroom, never backing down from a challenge.

Phrases with pugnacious

• pugnacious look

  a facial expression that suggests readiness to fight or argue

  Example

  The pugnacious look on his face made me think twice about confronting him.

• pugnacious personality

  a disposition that is argumentative, confrontational, or combative

  Example

  His pugnacious personality made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.

• pugnacious style

  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'

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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.