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truculently

truculently

9.8
In an angry, aggressive way that rejects other people's ideas
  • adverb
  • /ˈtrʌkjələntli/
  • Formal
translation icon : truculentamente
  • "I might be," he rumbled truculently from out of some giant cave.

Examples

  • The soldier spoke truculently, ready to defend his position at any cost.

  • Whether they are "rising peacefully" (a self-confident China), truculently (an imperially nostalgic Russia), or boastfully (an assertive India, despite its internal multiethnic and religious vulnerabilities),

    Academic text (2009)
  • "Where would we fare?" demanded the woman, half-truculently.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • He came in truculently, declined to shake hands, put his fists on his pelvic bones, or as close to them as they would go.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • This meant, as he confesses, sometimes slyly, sometimes truculently, that he might take the wrong turn, lose his way, ask directions, yet like his mother in Rome, extricate himself from the strangeness of every vista and find a landmark by which to steer.

    Academic text (2007)
  • To come out with a lame, schmucky opener like that when in fact the boy was already standing there four-square in the doorway, his head cocked in brittle challenge, his slight body truculently planted.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • He confronted his opponent truculently, refusing to back down even for a moment.

  • She shrugged truculently, clearly unafraid of the consequences of her actions.

Synonyms

aggressively
vstruculently
126 4.9

In a forceful way that shows readiness to attack or argue

is similar but adds clear open defiance and fiercer hostility
sharply
vstruculently
44 2.8

In a harsh, angry way when speaking to someone

is more outwardly hostile and seeks confrontation rather than mere criticism
defiantly
vstruculently
16 5.4

In a bold way that shows you refuse to obey

is more aggressively hostile and ready to fight or argue
in-your-face
vstruculently
  • Informal
8 8.4

Very bold and rude in a way that forces people to notice

is equally bold but includes deeper hostile combative aggression
offensively
vstruculently
  • Offensive
4 4.0

In a way that tries to attack or gain advantage over others

is more combative and openly hostile rather than only provocative
virulently
vstruculently
3 8.7

In an angry and hurtful way

is more physically combative and openly defiant rather than solely vicious
stridently
vstruculently
3 7.7

In a loud, harsh way that sounds unpleasant

is less about loudness and more about aggressive hostile defiance
belligerently
vstruculently
2 7.6

In an angry and unfriendly way that shows you want to fight

is more aggressively combative and shows stronger hostile intent
venomously
vstruculently
  • Formal
1 8.2

Saying or doing things with very strong anger and hate toward someone

is more about forceful combative defiance than personal malice
vitriolically
vstruculently
  • Offensive
1 9.9

In a very harsh and angry way that hurts people

is more physically or overtly combative beyond mere verbal scorn
contumaciously
vstruculently
  • Formal
9.9

To refuse to obey people in charge in a stubborn way

is more openly aggressive and ready to confront others physically or verbally
pugnaciously
vstruculently
8.8

In a way that shows someone wants to fight or argue

is similarly combative but adds more lasting hostile defiance
combatively
vstruculently
7.1

In a way that shows you are ready to argue or fight

is more aggressively hostile and shows stronger open defiance
bullishly
vstruculently
7.5

Being forceful and pushy, ignoring other people's views

is similar but adds open hostility and eagerness to fight
toothily
vstruculently
9.3

Speaking or acting in a harsh, biting way

is more physically or verbally aggressive and openly confrontational
acrimoniously
vstruculently
8.1

In a bitter, angry way during a disagreement

is more directly aggressive and ready to fight rather than just bitter
vituperatively
vstruculently
  • Offensive
9.9

To criticise someone using very harsh, insulting words

is more openly aggressive and ready to confront beyond harsh words
cantankerously
vstruculently
9.1

In a grumpy way that argues with others or refuses to cooperate

is more actively aggressive and combative rather than merely ill-tempered

Antonyms

149 1.3

In a calm and quiet way without violence

110 1.0

In a calm, steady way without showing anger or nervousness

1 5.3

In a quiet, humble way that shows you obey someone

How Aggressive

ferociously
12 5.6
truculently
  • Formal
9.8
aggressively
126 4.9
sternly
16 3.9
calmly
110 1.0

Surface Forms

truculently positive

Morphology

truculently = truculent (semi-transparent) = truculent + ly

Forming an adverb with the productive suffix '-ly' from an adjective is a regular and transparent process.

Etymology

The word truculently comes from the Latin word trux, which meant 'fierce' or 'savage', and the ending -ly turns it into an adverb. So, to act truculently is to behave in a fierce, hostile way.