combat 1 of 2

combat

2 of 2

noun

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
3

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

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.
Recent Examples of combat
Verb
To combat this, reach for this set that features a zip-up front. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 Perez said community members and law enforcement need to work together in order to combat violent crime. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
From 1775 to 1783, far more people succumbed to disease than died in combat. Sarah Botstein, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 The 36-year-old combat veteran served two tours in Afghanistan as a Marine, and now works in New Mexico as a lineman, responding to emergencies and natural disasters. Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
  • Davis was a civil rights lawyer who fought to desegregate public schools in Texas.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Among other resources, four engines have also been deployed to fight the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Neighbors for a Better San Diego, a group that represents mostly single-family homeowners and opposes nearby higher-density development, criticized the report for not tracking how many homes get demolished to make way for new projects.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The government reopened after legislation was passed that didn’t include funding for the aircraft carrier, or for water projects that Carter opposed on similar grounds.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Petrino has coached Western Kentucky, Louisville and Missouri State since he was fired by the Razorbacks for off-field reasons in the spring of 2012.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The Browns might even have a plan to get Sanders on the field at some point this season.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The skirmish over the controller erupted as the Council and Nygren's office continued to disagree over how tribal funds were allocated within the government.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Just when things appeared to cool down and players were separated, another skirmish occurred near the bleachers.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The battle of the rotations Pretty much every night, their starting pitcher was better than your starting pitcher.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • That includes research presentations on hip-hop, identity and activism, interactive workshops in education and creative practice, and a freestyle dance battle.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • This was the worst one-day attack on Israel since the country's founding in 1948.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • City sued after mayor blames Christians for violent clash with left-wing agitators.
    , FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The clash among the neighborhoods mirrored his internal strife over his biracial identity.
    Jazmine Hughes, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There is also a danger that anger with Hamas and rivalries within the Palestinian community in Gaza could now explode, analysts say.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The men’s opposing theories, murder versus suicide, became entangled in a rivalry over who had known and understood him best.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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