Meaning & use

belligerently

adverb·Advanced

In an aggressively hostile way, showing eagerness to argue, fight, or provoke conflict.

See it in a sentence

He responded belligerently to every question, as if the reporters were personally attacking him.

The two drivers argued belligerently in the middle of the street after the minor collision.

A note on using this word

Belligerently describes tone and manner rather than actual violence, though it often signals that a real conflict could follow.

Words with a similar meaning

aggressivelyhostilelycombatively

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

peacefullyamicably

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