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warlike

American  
[wawr-lahyk] / ˈwɔrˌlaɪk /

adjective

  1. fit, qualified, or ready for war; martial.

    a warlike fleet; warlike tribes.

  2. threatening or indicating war.

    a warlike tone.

    Synonyms:
    unfriendly, inimical, hostile, belligerent, bellicose
    Antonyms:
    peaceful
  3. of or relating to war.

    a warlike expedition.


warlike British  
/ ˈwɔːˌlaɪk /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or used in war

  2. hostile or belligerent

  3. fit or ready for war

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Performers chanted her name before the first edition of a women-run street party called Calcinhas Bélicas – Warlike Knickers.

From The Guardian • Mar. 8, 2019

Nagasaki was a member of a group called the Warlike Gods Society.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2014

Warlike Drona, doth he guard us like a broad and ample shield?

From Maha-bharata The Epic of Ancient India Condensed into English Verse by Dutt, Romesh

Best govern’d by the Warlike and the wise.

From Anti-Achitophel (1682) Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Jones, Harold Whitmore

Warlike preparations are daily making in this kingdom and in Spain; in the latter immediately against the Portuguese, but they will most probably in their consequences involve other powers.

From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. I by Sparks, Jared