Belligerent
mediumbuh-LIJ-er-unt
adjective
Definition
Hostile and aggressive; engaged in war or conflict
Examples
“The belligerent customer demanded to speak with the manager.”
“Both belligerent nations refused to negotiate.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Belligerent is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "hostile" or "combative" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "peaceful".
Related GRE Words
quarrelsome
Given to or characterized by quarreling
antagonistic
Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something
truculent
Eager to argue or fight; aggressively defiant
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
pugnacious
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
inimical
Tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly; hostile
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