Synonyms of combat

combat 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbat 

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

• fight
• battle
• war (against)
• clash (with)
• skirmish (with)
• duel
• beat
• hit
• wrestle
• scrimmage (with)
• punch
• joust
• strike
• knock
• slug
• slap
• box
• brawl
• belt
• smack
• smite
• batter
• whack
• swat
• buffet
• bludgeon
• swipe
• bat
• clobber
• hammer
• sock
• slam
• bop
• paste
• pound
• thump
• grapple
• bang
• slog
• whale
• spar
• bash
• wallop
• bump
• tussle
• scuffle
• collide
• thwack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit
• give up
• surrender

2

as in to oppose

to strive to reduce or eliminate

must marshal all of our resources to combat this disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fight
• oppose
• counter
• battle
• resist
• contend (with)
• confront
• withstand
• thwart
• oppugn
• foil
• frustrate
• face
• baffle
• checkmate
• defy
• meet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• promote
• encourage
• forward
• advance
• foster
• cultivate
• further
• suffer
• endure
• support
• bear
• nurture
• nourish
• abide
• advocate
• back
• uphold
• endorse
• champion

combat

2 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-ˌbat 

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

• field
• attack
• battle
• fire
• action
• hostilities
• warfare
• firefight
• operations
• pitched battle
• single combat
• service
• duty

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

• skirmish
• battle
• fight
• clash
• struggle
• fray
• conflict
• scuffle
• brawl
• tussle
• duel
• contest
• confrontation
• scrimmage
• dustup
• altercation
• fracas
• melee
• scrum
• scrap
• pitched battle
• quarrel
• battle royal
• blows
• rough-and-tumble
• hassle
• fisticuffs
• dispute
• spat
• fistfight
• slugfest
• tangle
• affray
• joust
• broil
• mix-up
• row
• grapple
• punch-up
• punch-out
• ruction
• free-for-all
• donnybrook
• ruckus
• face-off
• cross fire
• squabble
• controversy
• misunderstanding
• wrangle
• kickup
• contretemps
• falling-out
• argument
• handgrips
• catfight
• tiff
• disagreement
• argle-bargle
• argy-bargy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• truce

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

• battle
• rivalry
• warfare
• struggle
• duel
• war
• competition
• conflict
• confrontation
• contention
• match
• contest
• strife
• ball game
• dogfight
• clash
• showdown
• tug-of-war
• grapple
• sweepstakes
• face-off
• debate
• horse race
• friction
• dispute
• collision
• discord
• disputation
• quarrel
• argument
• controversy
• nail-biter
• disagreement
• row
• dissension
• wrangle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peace
• harmony
• concord

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb combat differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combat are oppose, resist, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to combat?

In some situations, the words oppose and combat are roughly equivalent. However, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When can resist be used instead of combat?

The words resist and combat can be used in similar contexts, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

In what contexts can withstand take the place of combat?

The words withstand and combat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of combat

Verb

To combat oily roots while also adding some blow-out-worthy volume, the Style Edit Texture Boost Dry Texturizing Spray is your best bet. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 28 July 2026

Earlier measures to combat desertification across its arid northern regions included sand-fixing methods like straw, plastic barriers, and pollen-heavy shrubs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

Noun

One of Nebel’s major works was still there — The Wrestlers, a huge plaster work of two sinewy men locked in combat, which had been his thesis as a student. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 July 2026

Place bird baths in part shade during summer to keep water cooler; move them to sunnier spots in winter to combat freezing. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026