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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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 Use the same term in connection with the mental vagaries of a gladiatorial spectacle? — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 There was a gladiatorial spirit to the earlier stadium, with its dual towers connected by an elegantly curving grandstand with a series of arches facing the street. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladiatorial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Synonyms of gladiatorial

adjective

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