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.

“If they want to have a debate on this issue, let’s do it,” López Obrador said pugnaciously.

From Washington Times • Feb. 28, 2023

Now, 40-odd years later, Alito was pugnaciously demanding to know whether Harvard had deceived his predecessor about the true nature of what it had been doing.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2022

A former rabbi from a long line of rabbis, Mr. Mason made comic capital as a Jew feeling his way — sometimes nervously, sometimes pugnaciously — through a perplexing gentile world.

From New York Times • Jul. 24, 2021

Cuddles are not really Chaya’s thing, but if she is in the mood, she will play pugnaciously with a bale of hay as if it is a giant ball.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 10, 2021

His prosperous-looking belly that used to thrust out so pugnaciously and intimidate folks, sagged like a load suspended from his loins.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston