1. the quality of being eager to fight or argue; combativeness
Usage: formal

Examples

• The boxer’s pugnacity made him a formidable opponent in the ring.
• Her pugnacity in debates often intimidated her classmates.
• The politician’s pugnacity toward critics earned him both supporters and enemies.
• Despite his small size, the terrier’s pugnacity was legendary.
• The coach tried to channel the team’s natural pugnacity into productive competition.
• His pugnacity at work meetings created unnecessary tension among colleagues.