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
The final minutes of an enthralling, combative contest were played out in relative serenity.
—
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Doroteo helped hold the man’s hands while paramedics provided treatment, then later helped paramedics in an ambulance after the man became combative on the way to a hospital, prosecutors said.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
In her ruling, Judge Beryl Howell cited multiple combative social-media posts made by HHS officials and advisers against the physician group.
—Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
Unlike Republicans, their messaging has been less combative.
—Philip Jankowski, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Doroteo helped hold the man’s hands while paramedics provided treatment, then later helped paramedics in an ambulance after the man became combative on the way to a hospital, prosecutors said.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
In her ruling, Judge Beryl Howell cited multiple combative social-media posts made by HHS officials and advisers against the physician group.
—Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
Unlike Republicans, their messaging has been less combative.
—Philip Jankowski, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
