CONFRONTATIONAL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

confrontational

adjective

Definition of confrontational

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight her confrontational, in-your-face manner doesn't help get legislation passed

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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 confrontational Nor was she put off by his more confrontational appearances on Fox News. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 The candidate forum, held on Thursday night in Woodland and moderated by League of Women Voters of Yolo County, was a more confrontational showdown than their debate just one day earlier. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 There’s no reason for this confrontational attitude with immigration enforcement. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 The environment around Venus at the top of the month is pointed, confrontational, and probably a bit rage-inducing. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026 The incident came as agitators against immigration adopt a confrontational new tactic of trying to stop the boats landing on England’s shores, clashing with police and rescue workers in the process. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Her work combined British tailoring and historical references with deliberately confrontational elements, enthusiasts say. — Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026 This may or may not be confrontational, but you could be suddenly held accountable for your words. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Ziwe’s trademark interview style is both confrontational and comedic. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confrontational

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

Adjective

But there are uncertainties ahead, including MLB labor negotiations, which will address the contentious question of a player salary cap and could result in a prolonged work stoppage in 2027.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
But the series then gets to know people in depth, allowing for far more nuance than the contentious school board meetings.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

The former state representative and senator from west-central Missouri took office as secretary of state in January 2025 and brought a more combative approach to overseeing elections and ballot measures.

— Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 15 Oct. 2026
No other details were provided, and since that announcement, the CAC and its membership have found themselves on opposite sides of an increasingly combative divide.

— Adam B. Vary, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of combative

Adjective

The use of force is allowed under certain conditions, according to the personnel board’s order, including when an inmate could be assaultive or hurt themselves — which led Green to dismiss CDCR’s allegation against the officer.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026

Definition of assaultive

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confrontation

confrontational

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

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Synonyms of confrontational

adjective

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