Search Dictionary
Definition of belligerent

belligerent

/bəˈlɪdʒ.ɚ.ənt/
bel · lig · er · ent
Adverb:belligerently
•
Plural:belligerents
JUMP TO:

belligerent Lexical Profile

belligerent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Hostile, aggressive, and inclined to argue or fight.

Example

"The customer became increasingly belligerent when the manager refused to issue a full refund."

2

Engaged in a war or recognized conflict, especially under international law.

Example

"Neutral diplomats attempted to mediate a ceasefire between the two belligerent states."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for belligerent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for belligerent

• noun

1

A nation, group, or person engaged in war or conflict, especially one recognized as such by international law.

Example

"The treaty required all belligerents to respect the neutrality of neighboring countries."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for belligerent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for belligerent

• Rhymes for belligerent

• Nearby Words

bellflower
bellhop
belligerence
belligerent
belligerently
bellini
bellis

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin belligerentem, a modification of belligerantem, the present participle of belligerare ('to wage war'), formed from bellum ('war') and gerere ('to carry on or wage').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Belligerent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/belligerent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.