combative

1 of 2

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv 

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

combatively adverb

combativeness noun

combativeness

2 of 2

noun

com·​bat·​ive·​ness

kəm-ˈba-tiv-nəs

plural -es

: the state or quality of being combative : pugnacity, belligerence

admitting that man's nature will never lose the combativeness, hostility, and animosity which are so large a part of it

—Norman Angell

Synonyms of combative

Adjective

• aggressive
• militant
• hostile
• contentious
• confrontational
• assaultive

Examples of combative in a Sentence

Adjective

When the police tried to arrest him, he became combative.

channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister also sharpened his already-combative rhetoric against Erdogan. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Her combative and energetic style made her one of the administration's most recognizable public faces. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

The race has already inflamed tensions within the Democratic Party over how to energize liberal voters eager for unapologetic, combative candidates while not alienating independents and moderates who have been key to winning in battlegrounds. — Matt Brown, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Newcastle’s talismanic captain, who guided them to their first major domestic silverware in 70 years, has made his name as a combative and creative all-round midfielder. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈbat-iv 

: eager to fight : pugnacious

combativeness noun