Truculent
hardNegative toneTRUK-yuh-lunt
adjective
Definition
Eager to argue or fight; aggressively defiant
Memory hook
TRUCK-U-LENT: imagine a TRUCK driver aggressively cutting you off — fierce and combative.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The truculent teenager defied every rule.”
“His truculent attitude made negotiations impossible.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ teenager defied every rule.”
Show answer
truculent
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Truculent is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "bellicose" or "pugnacious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "peaceable".
Related GRE Words
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
pugnacious
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
belligerent
Hostile and aggressive; engaged in war or conflict
quarrelsome
Given to or characterized by quarreling
antagonistic
Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something
recalcitrant
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude
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