aggressiveness

noun

Definition of aggressivenessnext
1
as in ambition
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity because of the mayor's aggressiveness in tackling problems, there have been significant changes for the better

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2
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression) has the aggressiveness one needs to pursue a career in show business

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3
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel male bettas, known for their aggressiveness, are best raised alone

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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 aggressiveness Video from the Virginia incident, which shows an agent with a gun, has reignited conversations about the aggressiveness of ICE enforcement. — Juan Benn Jr, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026 She’s learned how to channel her competitiveness and aggressiveness in a much better way, a more productive way. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 If Yesavage can maintain that aggressiveness over the rest of the season, the Jays won’t have to worry about their funky righty. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Cannon breaks down the accountability, aggressiveness and the perspective needed to play effective defense after the team’s reset week. — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 This is a lineup structured to thrive with a small-ball approach — high batting average, chaos and aggressiveness on the basepaths, and manufacturing runs. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 Yet signs of pressing persist as the Padres steer solutions toward aggressiveness on the basepaths. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 The aggressiveness was needed on a night Spurs head coach directed players to pick Brunson up full-court after San Antonio makes. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026 Some more aggressiveness on the bases as well. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggressiveness
  1. ambition
  2. intensity
  3. aggression
  4. initiative
Noun
  • Fast-forward three years and Suzuki is on the verge of fulfilling that ambition at Villa, after starring for his country at this summer’s World Cup.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And Grand Wailea knew to match outsized ambition with outsized talent.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambition
Noun
  • Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The intensity of weather events in that span caused significant devastation across the state, and the August storms have only exacerbated the impact on communities and local governments.
    — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • The United States must therefore carefully balance the need to de-risk against the need to deter aggression.
    — GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Game fowl are bred for aggression by definition, said Jenny Berg, California state director of the Humane World for Animals, which worked with Rogers on the bill.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • Fuller's comments came the same day federal officials announced a new initiative aimed at combating educator misconduct in North Texas.
    — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Eco effort Little Palm has a few eco-minded initiatives happening, including reef restoration and seagrass protection programs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of initiative

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aggressively
aggressiveness
aggressor
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Cite this Entry

“Aggressiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggressiveness. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aggressiveness

Nglish: Translation of aggressiveness for Spanish Speakers

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