GLADIATORIAL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

gladiatorial

adjective

Definition of gladiatorial

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight not a reasoned discussion but a shouting match between gladiatorial pundits from opposite ends of the political spectrum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gladiatorial The mainly movie channel ventured into original programming with the tale of a Thracian soldier who is condemned to fight in Rome's gladiatorial arenas, only to become a champion and vow to bring down the Empire. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 Erivo plays a British defense barrister who exudes enviable brilliance in navigating the ruthless and gladiatorial London courtrooms. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026 This one has been commemorated by a gladiatorial contest on the White House grounds and by an, apparently coming up, a long speech by the president of the day. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 Some critics view gladiatorial displays of violence as inappropriate for a historic anniversary and complain that the spectacle hits a discordant note amid war in Iran and rising prices. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Hansen and his Dateline NBC crew made gladiatorial reality TV disguised as public service. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Fighting those of a comparable or higher status brought greater prizes, advancement in the rankings, and more glory, perhaps even discharge from the gladiatorial school. — Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 One of the city’s star attractions is the huge 25,000-seat Great Theater, used for theatrical performances, public assemblies, religious ceremonies and, in the Roman era, gladiatorial battles. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 In America's gladiatorial two-party system, that could well deprive Republicans of a winning political issue with which to batter out-of-touch, climate change-besotted Democrats. — MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladiatorial

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

Several cities across the nation are locked in a contentious debate over Flock cameras, but in Erlanger, that decision has been made.

— Brooklyn Andres, Fox 19 Cincinnati, 28 Aug. 2026
The latest version of the polling place plan follows a contentious August meeting about a proposal to reduce the number of Election Day voting locations for the November midterm from 316 in 2022 to 176 in 2026.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of contentious

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

Adjective

Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Definition of warlike

Adjective

Driscoll was widely seen as less combative and positioned himself as a driving force for modernizing the Army through updating its doctrine and integrating robots, drones and other emerging technologies into the force.

— Luis Martinez, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
If Smith can’t reach that height, then the Alvarado and McConnell comparisons are more apt, and both of those two players are combative and successful defensive players.

— Tony East, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of combative

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gladiatorial

gladiators

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“Gladiatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladiatorial. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gladiatorial

adjective

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