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Meaning & use

confrontational

adjective·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˌkɒnfrənˈteɪʃənəl/
US/ˌkɑːnfrənˈteɪʃənəl/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adjectivenot comparable

    Behaving in a way that invites argument or conflict rather than cooperation.

    Grammar: Used before nouns or after linking verbs; rarely compared with more or most.

    Patterns

    • a confrontational style
    • become confrontational
    • avoid a confrontational tone

    The union criticised the minister's confrontational approach to the talks.

    He gets confrontational whenever anyone questions his decisions.

Common combinations

confrontational style
Her confrontational style alienated colleagues who preferred discussion.
highly confrontational
The debate turned highly confrontational within the first minutes.
avoid being confrontational
A good negotiator avoids being confrontational and looks for shared ground.

Synonyms and how they differ

aggressive
Aggressive stresses hostility or force; confrontational stresses a tendency to provoke direct clashes, which can sometimes be calm and deliberate.
combative
Combative describes a fighting spirit; confrontational describes an interaction style that invites opposition.
antagonistic
Antagonistic means actively hostile towards someone; confrontational describes manner and approach rather than inner attitude.

Opposites

cooperativeconciliatorydiplomatic

Word family

confront verb
To face or challenge a person or problem directly.
confrontation noun
A direct clash or argument.
confrontationally adverb
In a confrontational way.

Commonly confused: confrontational or confirmational?

confrontational vs confirmational

Confirmational relates to confirming or verifying something; confrontational relates to provoking conflict.

Practice

The talks broke down because both sides adopted a ______ attitude instead of seeking compromise.

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