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pugnacious

[puhg-ney-shuhs] / pʌgˈneɪ ʃəs /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even by the former’s standards, it was angry, pugnacious, and hence less effective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg made an extended, pugnacious appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, defending his company from the witness stand against a lawsuit that alleges social media harms children.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Gulbadin Naib had earlier provided the backbone of Afghanistan's 182-6 with a pugnacious 63 off 35 balls.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

And no one coasts on reputation for pugnacious realism, in U.S. politics, like Mario Cuomo’s son.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2025

His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.

From "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck




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