combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv 

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

combatively adverb

combativeness noun

Synonyms of combative

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

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 Miami-Dade State’s Attorney’s Office painted Obumseli as a victim of domestic violence in the case against Clenney, citing the couple’s allegedly combative relationship. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026

Both sons of working-class immigrants, Becerra and Hilton share bootstrap biographies but clash sharply on taxes, regulation and California’s combative posture toward a president who is deeply unpopular in the state. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Ackman’s case for capitalism arrived alongside a more combative argument about what happens when governments try to substitute for markets. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

With the combative midterms taking center stage after Labor Day, hurting Hollywood shouldn’t expect any real movement this year on any such federal credits or out of Sacramento …regardless of how good the clam chowder is. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈbat-iv 

: eager to fight : pugnacious

combativeness noun