C2adjectiverelationshipspsychology
US/ˌkɑːn.frənˈteɪ.ʃən.əl/
UK/ˌkɒn.frənˈteɪ.ʃən.əl/
likely to argue or fight with people instead of discussing problems calmly
In context
The new manager's confrontational style led several experienced staff to resign.
Try not to be confrontational when you talk to your teenager about grades.
This time the police took a more confrontational approach toward the protesters.
Words that go with confrontational
adjective + noun
- confrontational styleHer confrontational style works well in court but not at home.
- confrontational approachA confrontational approach rarely changes a stubborn teenager's mind.
- confrontational mannerHe spoke to the nurses in a confrontational manner that upset them.
- confrontational toneThe letter's confrontational tone made the negotiations harder.
adverb + adjective
- highly confrontationalThe debate became highly confrontational in its final hour.
- less confrontationalCouples therapy teaches less confrontational ways to disagree.