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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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

The aggressive action will be closely watched by other states and school systems.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Tour participants described an aggressive interrogation by an Israeli border agent.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

Abductions are common in Nigeria, where militant groups target schoolchildren and other civilians to put pressure on the government and extract ransoms.

— Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
The strikes came after Israel blamed the militant Hezbollah group for firing two explosive drones.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

Kuwait's army said its air defence systems were targeting hostile missile and drone attacks.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Some recent laws, including the Safer Skies Act of 2025, grant state and local agencies (though not private-sector entities) greater license to detect and track hostile drones.

— Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of assaultive

adjective

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