What does "truculence" mean?
The state of being truculent; eagerness to fight; ferocity.
Truculence
/ˈtrʌk.jə.ləns/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The state of being truculent; eagerness to fight; ferocity.
- Grammar: truculence is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abruptness, aggression, aggressive diction, aggressiveness.
- Useful contrasts: deference, forbearance, gentleness.
- Usage evidence: To these provincial autocrats, before whom the peaceable population of all classes had been accustomed to tremble, the reserve of that English-looking engineer caused an uneasiness which swung to and fro between cringing and truculence.
How to use "truculence"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "truculence" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "truculence" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "truculence" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The state of being truculent; eagerness to fight; ferocity. uncountable, usually
"To these provincial autocrats, before whom the peaceable population of all classes had been accustomed to tremble, the reserve of that English-looking engineer caused an uneasiness which swung to and fro between cringing and truculence."
- 2 obstreperous and defiant aggressiveness wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"To these provincial autocrats, before whom the peaceable population of all classes had been accustomed to tremble, the reserve of that English-looking engineer caused an uneasiness which swung to and fro between cringing and truculence."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "truculence"?
Common synonyms include: abruptness, aggression, aggressive diction, aggressiveness, aggressiveness, animality.
How do you use "truculence" in a sentence?
To these provincial autocrats, before whom the peaceable population of all classes had been accustomed to tremble, the reserve of that English-looking engineer caused an uneasiness which swung to and fro between cringing and truculence.
How do you pronounce "truculence"?
Pronounced /ˈtrʌk.jə.ləns/.
Etymology
From French truculence, from Latin truculentia.