Definition of COMBATIVE

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

Weight claims that Bartlett then stepped very close to him in a combative way, so Weight pushed him back. — Jack Greiner, Cincinnati.com, "Arctic Man festival leads to First Amendment challenge," 11 June 2019 Though once a political ally of Turner, Boykins has become increasingly combative with the mayor amid the city’s ongoing labor dispute with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association. — Jasper Scherer, Houston Chronicle, "Councilman Dwight Boykins files paperwork indicating run for mayor," 5 June 2019 The often combative younger Netanyahu issued a quick apology, saying the remarks did not represent the values he was raised on and were made under the influence of alcohol. — Aron Heller, Houston Chronicle, "Israeli leader's son under fire again for strip club banter," 9 Jan. 2018 WEDNESDAY Trump lambasted European allies in combative remarks on camera at the breakfast with Stoltenberg. — Martin Finucane, BostonGlobe.com, "Believe it or not, President Trump has been in Europe a little over 72 hours," 13 July 2018 The fast-talking, playfully combative morning show host is getting his own platform on June 4. — Jeremy Barr, The Hollywood Reporter, "With New Primetime Show, CNN Bets On Chris Cuomo," 23 May 2018 Known for his combative style and fierce loyalty to Trump, Cohen served for a decade as a top lawyer at the Trump Organization, tangling with reporters and Trump's business competitors on behalf of the celebrity real estate mogul. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "Trump's lawyer Cohen probed for possible bank fraud, campaign finance violations," 10 Apr. 2018 The 71-year-old is unlikely to spring any real surprises in Russia this summer, and so fans can look forward to a solid defensive shape, with fullbacks who attack only when absolutely necessary, and a midfield that is more combative than creative. — SI.com, "Suarez, Cavani Return to Lead Group A Favorite Uruguay at World Cup," 30 May 2018 Some are overly combative (Aries, Scorpio), and some are impossibly complacent (Cancer, Libra). — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Worst Relationship Habit," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'combative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.