combative

1 of 2

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv 

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

combatively adverb

combativeness noun

combativeness

2 of 2

noun

com·​bat·​ive·​ness

kəm-ˈba-tiv-nəs

plural -es

: the state or quality of being combative : pugnacity, belligerence

admitting that man's nature will never lose the combativeness, hostility, and animosity which are so large a part of it

—Norman Angell

Synonyms of combative

Adjective

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

Examples of combative in a Sentence

Adjective

When the police tried to arrest him, he became combative.

channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The biggest platform wins the argument; the loudest founder raises the round; the most combative voice sets the agenda. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Sidelined, but among family Orbán’s bruising election loss was welcomed with relief by many EU leaders and viewed by many observers as a rebuke of his combative approach to the EU and close ties to Russia. — Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Their energy is heavy and combative, so much so with Shamea that Cynthia tries to orchestrate a come-to-Jesus moment at Lake Bailey. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026

Hurzeler has turned him into a combative and largely effective right-back. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈbat-iv 

: eager to fight : pugnacious

combativeness noun