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
Some of those protests have turned combative with law enforcement, resulting in tear gas being deployed by officials.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Netanyahu’s combative speech was delivered to a relatively empty General Assembly plenum.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
The Murdochs' role in the takeover of America's most popular video app is a remarkable victory for the family and follows a relationship that has at times been combative.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025
In mythology, Mars is the god of war, known for its fierce and combative nature, and this is no exception in astrology.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combative
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Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Netanyahu’s combative speech was delivered to a relatively empty General Assembly plenum.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
The Murdochs' role in the takeover of America's most popular video app is a remarkable victory for the family and follows a relationship that has at times been combative.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025
In mythology, Mars is the god of war, known for its fierce and combative nature, and this is no exception in astrology.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2025.
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