warlike
Americanadjective
-
fit, qualified, or ready for war; martial.
a warlike fleet; warlike tribes.
-
threatening or indicating war.
a warlike tone.
- Synonyms:
- unfriendly, inimical, hostile, belligerent, bellicose
- Antonyms:
- peaceful
-
of or relating to war.
a warlike expedition.
adjective
-
of, relating to, or used in war
-
hostile or belligerent
-
fit or ready for war
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of warlike
late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at war 1, -like
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.
Ravier, Milei's spokesman, said the base would have no "warlike character but will function as the most important logistics hub in the South Atlantic, providing operational and scientific support for our geopolitical projection toward Antarctica."
From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026
That threshold will be lowered to "warlike preparations", which is already the threshold for reservists who have left active service in the past few years.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2026
Knowing all this, I had expected Wallnau in person to have a fiery personality to match his warlike rhetoric.
From Slate ● Sep. 25, 2024
In 568 C.E., according to contemporary records, warlike horse riders from the Mongolian steppes called the Avars surged into the grassy plains flanking the Danube River, in roughly the territory of modern Hungary.
From Science Magazine ● Apr. 24, 2024
Over time, many sports teams adopted a name, logo, or mascot that could stir fans by encouraging them to think of sports games as warlike events.
From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
