aggressive
adjective
ag·gres·sive
ə-ˈgre-siv 
1
a
: tending toward or exhibiting aggression
aggressive behavior
b
: marked by combative readiness
an aggressive fighter
2
a
: marked by obtrusive energy and self-assertiveness
a rude, aggressive personality
b
: marked by driving forceful energy or initiative : enterprising
an aggressive salesman
3
: strong or emphatic in effect or intent
aggressive colors
aggressive flavors
4
: growing, developing, or spreading rapidly
aggressive bone tumors
5
: more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent
aggressive chemotherapy
Examples of aggressive in a Sentence
He started to get aggressive and began to shout.
an aggressive lawyer whose tactics have made people angry
The team plays a very aggressive style of defense.
The company took aggressive steps to prevent illegal use of their equipment.
The publisher has been very aggressive in promoting the book.
The city began an aggressive campaign to encourage recycling.
an aggressive form of cancer
Recent Examples on the Web
As Forbes previously reported, Flock has an aggressive expansion strategy, which has sometimes led it to risking breaches of the law.
—
Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
In fact, aggressive stretching can increase instability, putting more strain on the joint that can lead to pain and injury.
—Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Davis is an aggressive man corner that is capable of shutting down receivers one-on-one.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Lately, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has taken an aggressive posture toward Europe.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggressive
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Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
In fact, aggressive stretching can increase instability, putting more strain on the joint that can lead to pain and injury.
—Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Davis is an aggressive man corner that is capable of shutting down receivers one-on-one.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Lately, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has taken an aggressive posture toward Europe.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggressive
Cite this Entry
“Aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressive. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aggressive
adjective
ag·gres·sive
ə-ˈgres-iv
1
a
: showing readiness to attack
an aggressive dog
b
: practicing aggression
an aggressive nation
2
: being forceful in getting things done
an aggressive sales campaign
3
: growing, developing, or spreading rapidly
aggressive weeds
aggressively
adverb
aggressiveness
noun
Medical Definition
aggressive
adjective
ag·gres·sive
ə-ˈgres-iv
1
: tending toward or exhibiting aggression
aggressive behavior
2
: growing, developing, or spreading rapidly
aggressive bone tumors
3
: more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent
aggressive chemotherapy
aggressive surgical intervention
compare conservative
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