Non-belligerent refers to being peaceful and not inclined towards war or fighting. Its antonyms are words that describe the opposite, such as belligerent, aggressive, bellicose, antagonistic, hostile, combative, pugnacious, militant, and warlike. These words imply a willingness to fight, attack or start conflicts. Belligerent is the direct opposite of non-belligerent, carrying a strong connotation of hostility and aggression. Antagonistic is another strong antonym, suggesting a rebellious or contentious attitude, whereas bellicose suggests a more militaristic and offensive stance. A person who is described as combative or pugnacious is likely to quarrel or start fights, while a person with a militant or warlike attitude is prone to engage in war or military actions.