C2adjectiveformalpoliticsemotions
US/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/
UK/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/
unfriendly and ready to argue or fight; also (of a country) involved in a war
In context
The customer became belligerent when the shop refused to give him a refund.
The president's belligerent speech worried leaders in neighboring countries.
Talks between the belligerent nations finally began after two years of fighting.
Words that go with belligerent
adjective + noun
- belligerent toneThe letter was written in a belligerent tone.
- belligerent attitudeHis belligerent attitude made the meeting very tense.
- belligerent nationsNeutral countries tried to stay out of the way of the belligerent nations.
- belligerent rhetoricBelligerent rhetoric from both sides raised fears of war.
adverb + adjective
- increasingly belligerentThe drunk man grew increasingly belligerent as the night went on.