WARLIKE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

warlike

adjective

ˈwȯr-ˌlīk

Definition of warlike

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight a seafarer's legend that the remote island was inhabited by a warlike and uncivilized tribe

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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 warlike Ludwig’s distant paternal ancestors were in fact German Jewish merchants, not warlike princes. — Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 His warlike actions in Iran, despite campaign promises to the contrary, blatantly bypassed the need to gain approval from the legislative branch of government. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025 Freyja, however, is a more warlike goddess, and even has a part in selecting warriors for her hall in the afterlife. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 The Coming Economic Crisis Outwardly, many Russians seem to support the Kremlin’s warlike stance toward the West. — Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for warlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for warlike

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

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waring

warlike

warlock

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“Warlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warlike. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of warlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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