combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv How to pronounce combative (audio)
: marked by eagerness to fight or contend
combatively adverb
combativeness noun

Examples of combative in a Sentence

When the police tried to arrest him, he became combative. channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports
Recent Examples on the Web The ban never came into force, however, despite a second attempt by TfL in 2019, after Uber assuaged regulators’ concerns following the departure of combative cofounder Travis Kalanick. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 2 May 2024 Rat Sound gear was specially constructed to survive the sometimes punishing environment of a combative punk rock show. Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for combative 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'combative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of combative was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near combative

Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 10 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

combative

adjective
com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈbat-iv How to pronounce combative (audio)
: eager to fight : pugnacious
combativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on combative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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