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

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

Browse Nearby Words

waring

warlike

warlock

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

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Synonyms of warlike

adjective

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