combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv 

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

combatively adverb

combativeness noun

Synonyms

• aggressive
• agonistic
• argumentative
• assaultive
• bellicose
• belligerent
• brawly
• chippy
• confrontational
• contentious
• discordant
• disputatious
• feisty
• gladiatorial
• militant
• pugnacious
• quarrelsome
• scrappy
• truculent
• warlike

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 president’s softer tone towards China, despite no formal talks, was in stark contrast to his more combative rhetoric earlier in April. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025

Over the chaotic weekend that follows, people-pleaser Edward must juggle his burgeoning career plans with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies — none of whom really get along with any of the others. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025

Promoted from League One last May, the Rams were combative against promotion candidates. —Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025

By creating a context that shows you’re invested in the team’s success, your colleagues are more likely to see your comments as constructive rather than combative. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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