combative
adjective
com·bat·ive
kəm-ˈba-tiv 
: 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
Several sources described the interaction as heated and combative.
—
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
When officers arrived, Jones allegedly became more agitated and combative.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Something’s wrong with Spike’s mother (Jodie Comer), who seems disoriented and combative at times.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 June 2025
Recommended by Our Editors The letter highlights the combative rivalry between the two companies, which are competing to offer satellite connectivity to smartphones.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combative
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Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
When officers arrived, Jones allegedly became more agitated and combative.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Something’s wrong with Spike’s mother (Jodie Comer), who seems disoriented and combative at times.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 June 2025
Recommended by Our Editors The letter highlights the combative rivalry between the two companies, which are competing to offer satellite connectivity to smartphones.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combative
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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