ASSAULTIVE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

assaultive

adjective

ə-ˈsȯl-tiv

Definition of assaultive

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight with viciously assaultive prose the writer takes on her critics

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of assaultive Corigliano’s symphony is assaultive in style and confrontational in intent. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 But attorney Gabi Silver, who previously represented one of the men in the original case before Hartig, said the judge made the appropriate call for a low-level, non-assaultive felony case against a client with no prior criminal record. — Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025 The effect is assaultive but clever, jolting listeners’ reflexes and then toying with their attention. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025 There were no observed overt assaultive acts or movements displayed by [the man] on the video. — Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assaultive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assaultive

Adjective

While Chelsea tend to retreat after taking the lead, their opponents also become more aggressive in response, committing extra bodies forward and helping to create more open, end-to-end encounters.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The acquisition comes after the distributor’s founder and then-CEO, Andrew Karpen, died from an aggressive form of brain cancer at the age of 59 in May 2025.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

The Israeli military said the munition was believed to belong to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2026
In recent months, some militant settlers are ramping up their campaign to violently drive out the Palestinians who live there -- often with impunity -- the Israeli government showing an unwillingness to crack down on the violence.

— Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

That night, Lee goes to Ginger’s house to tell her what happened — about his hostile showdown with the rupidoop, about Brawny Dude With the Butter Candies checking out Lee’s van in the Boontill parking lot.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
The trip to Leeds is another daunting assignment for United in what is usually a hostile atmosphere.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostile

Browse Nearby Words

assaulting

assaultive

assaultiveness

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“Assaultive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assaultive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of assaultive

adjective

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