as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of combative
Up to this point, the narrator’s been an interrogative, at times combative presence.
—
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for combative
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for combative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative
Adjective
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The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
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Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
Adjective
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Yet Piker himself has followed the DSA’s militant line, repeatedly praising authoritarian regimes such as China’s, Cuba’s, and Russia’s, as well as terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
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There are also concerns that fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon could escalate once more and derail future talks.
Adjective
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And until a Black commentator is held responsible for making openly hostile remarks about White people, nothing will change.
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For example, in March, the crypto exchange Kraken put its multibillion‑dollar IPO on hold amid hostile market conditions, according to CoinDesk.
Adjective
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These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
Adjective
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There's a confrontational moment between Tom and Mary for the first time.
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Others could find your go-getter approach refreshing, while some may experience it as confrontational.
Adjective
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As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.
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Unlawful activity including blocking roads, intentionally creating hazards and assaultive behavior will not be tolerated.
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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