easy
The dog became territorial near its bed.
What does Territorial mean?
related to protecting or controlling an area.
Dictionary definition
Territorial describes behavior or control related to protecting, claiming, or defending an area.
Example sentences
Territorial in a sentence
medium
Some birds are territorial during nesting season.
hard
The science text explained how territorial behavior can help animals protect food, shelter, or young.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Territorial
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does territorial mean?
Territorial describes behavior or control connected to an area or territory.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to territorial?
Protective is close because territorial behavior often guards an area.
Practice 3
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: Some birds are ____ during nesting season.
Territorial best completes the sentence.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
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Territorial
Voice settings
Sounds like
tair · ih · tor · ee · ul · strongest beat: tor
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordTerritorial.
Partadjective.
MeaningTerritorial means related to protecting or controlling an area.
ExampleExample: The dog became territorial near its bed.
Word breakdown
5 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- tair · ih · tor · ee · ul
- Strongest beat
- tor
- Ending
- ul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on tor.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Territorial
protectiveWanting to keep someone or something safe.
defensiveReady to guard against a threat.
area-relatedConnected to a particular space or region.
Antonyms
Opposite words
welcomingOpen and friendly to others entering a space.
unclaimedNot claimed or controlled by anyone.
Synonym practice
Want to practice territorial synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The territorial bird guarded the area near its nest," then compare close word choices. Practice territorial synonyms.
Word family
Territorial word family
Base word
territorial
adjective
territorial
Related to protecting or controlling an area.
noun
territory
An area used, owned, or protected.
adverb
territorially
In a territorial way.
Related words
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Learning activities
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