1
as in to fight
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
a general eager to combat the enemy on his own ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
must marshal all of our resources to combat this disease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war
a soldier who served throughout the war without actually seeing combat
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
the two stags entered a furious combat for dominance of the herd
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in battle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the fierce ideological combat between the religionists and the secularists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of combat
Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Facility and Official Responses Contrary to some media accounts, DHS has combated reports of widespread unrest or additional security events at Delaney Hall.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 June 2025
After the overnight combat, the Israeli death toll has now risen to at least 13, including three minors, according to officials in the country.
—Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combat
Verb
Efforts to combat overtourism have resulted in a 10-euro daytripper entrance fee on weekends and peak periods while more residents are pushed out every year due to a dwindling lack of services like schools, hospitals and affordable housing.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Facility and Official Responses Contrary to some media accounts, DHS has combated reports of widespread unrest or additional security events at Delaney Hall.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Noun
In the photo, Galitzine stood with his back to the camera, flexing his arm muscles while in costume: an ensemble of arm gear, tall combat boots and a long sword.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 June 2025
After the overnight combat, the Israeli death toll has now risen to at least 13, including three minors, according to officials in the country.
—Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
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Asked about the optics of the two groups fighting each other through open letters to city leadership, Martinez pointed out that both Black and Latino students have seen significant improvements in literacy rates under his tenure.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2025
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One idea was to add tanks or other iconic Army equipment to an exhibit parked on the National Mall where tourists could learn about the Army's history of fighting the nation's wars.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot more vocally opposed pension sweeteners during her term, including a last-ditch attempt to convince Pritzker to veto firefighter pension legislation that was projected to add between $18 million and $30 million to the city’s annual bill.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
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Local Democratic leaders had opposed the move, accusing the Republican president of fueling the disorder.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the Royals grounds crew raced to the field to put on the tarp.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2025
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Defensive end Sam Williams returned to the practice field for the first time without a brace since tearing his ACL last July.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2025
Noun
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One skirmish involved the arrest of a union leader, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union of California, who said he was injured and detained by ICE.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
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Alongside Israeli military drills, stalled diplomatic talks, and proxy skirmishes, these hostile warnings signal a dangerous escalation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
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The two journalists paid tribute to the late MTV VJ, who died Wednesday following a prolonged battle with breast cancer, during a CNN segment on Thursday.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
14 June 2025
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The ruling adds to a larger ongoing legal battle over a 90-year-old Supreme Court decision known as Humphrey’s Executor.—
Lea Skene,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Noun
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This is essential to stop further erosion of the rule of law, the attack on democracy, and the threat of authoritarianism.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Even after that, Microsoft refused to take full responsibility and hasn’t done enough to prevent future attacks.—
Jovante Teague,
Sun Sentinel,
17 June 2025
Noun
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India, the fanatical cricket country, against England, the founding fathers of the game, will be a clash of styles.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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The clash between the two drivers was likely carried forward from the previous race in Detroit, where McLaughlin crashed into Siegel from behind, causing him to get knocked out of the race.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Rivals follows the rivalry between an old money MP, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), who clash over control of a fictional independent TV station in the 1980s.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 June 2025
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According to a report from TMZ Sports, the on-screen rivalry has become deeply personal.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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