truculent

[truhk-yuh-luhnt, troo-kyuh-] / ˈtrʌk yə lənt, ˈtru kyə- /

ADJECTIVE

belligerent, hateful

Synonyms

WEAK

abusive aggressive antagonistic bad-tempered barbarous bellicose browbeating brutal bullying caustic combative contentious contumelious cowing cross defiant ferocious fierce frightening harsh hostile inhuman inhumane intimidating invective mean militant mordacious mordant obstreperous opprobrious ornery pugnacious quarrelsome rude savage scathing scrappy scurrilous sharp sullen terrifying terrorizing trenchant violent vituperative vituperous

Antonyms

WEAK

cooperative gentle mild nice tame

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.

The other students might not be as truculent as Elham, but they are just as ambivalent about the necessity of learning English.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

In response, three British warships were sent by William Douglas, the truculent British Columbia governor, also spoiling for a fight.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

His truculent post-match press conference did him no favours.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2023

In the show, Chao plays the truculent, egoistic chef Lucy Dang.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2023

The decals glowed with a truculent orange in the dark.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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