Pugnacious
hardNegative tonepug-NAY-shus
adjective
Definition
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
Memory hook
PUG-NACIOUS: like a PUG dog that's always ready to fight — eager to quarrel.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His pugnacious attitude made negotiations difficult.”
“The pugnacious debater challenged every point.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ attitude made negotiations difficult.”
Show answer
pugnacious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Pugnacious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "combative" or "bellicose" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "pacific".
Related GRE Words
truculent
Eager to argue or fight; aggressively defiant
quarrelsome
Given to or characterized by quarreling
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
belligerent
Hostile and aggressive; engaged in war or conflict
antagonistic
Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something
capitulate
To surrender or give in, often after resisting
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