combative

adjective

kəm-ˈba-tiv How to pronounce combative (audio)
Definition of combativenext
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 combative The Miami-Dade State’s Attorney’s Office painted Obumseli as a victim of domestic violence in the case against Clenney, citing the couple’s allegedly combative relationship. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026 Ackman’s case for capitalism arrived alongside a more combative argument about what happens when governments try to substitute for markets. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 With the combative midterms taking center stage after Labor Day, hurting Hollywood shouldn’t expect any real movement this year on any such federal credits or out of Sacramento …regardless of how good the clam chowder is. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Kennedy confirmed the Journal’s reporting in a combative August 2 CNN interview. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative
  1. aggressive
  2. militant
  3. hostile
  4. contentious
  5. confrontational
  6. assaultive
Adjective
  • His preference for a 4-2-3-1 has been evident, however, and the German is looking for Newcastle to be aggressive in the press, intensive and also direct, with a plan to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout his scuffles, however, Boone felt Grisham had gotten more aggressive inside the strike zone.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Abductions at schools are common in Nigeria, where militant groups target them to put pressure on the government and extract ransoms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The agreement, part of a broader ceasefire deal reached last year, calls for Israel to cease its military operations and for Hamas and its allies in Gaza to halt all militant activity.
    — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • The high risk of – and challenges of addressing – oil spills and other safety incidents in the hostile Arctic climate are another dissuading factor, as are environmental costs of operating there.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The episode picks up when Bret and Robert have their first tense interaction — their vaguely hostile and lightly homoerotic back-and-forth continues to be the highlight of the show for me.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Stassi Anastassov, former Duracell CEO, has taken the helm at Ferretti Group following a contentious boardroom battle, despite his lack of prior yachting experience.
    — Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • At a contentious Senate hearing in July 2021, Paul repeatedly clashed with Fauci and accused him of lying about the government funding research in Wuhan.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • Advertisement For progressives, the Michigan result will be viewed as proof that the party is gravitating toward candidates who openly challenge Democratic leaders and embrace a more confrontational politics.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Venezuelan artist’s latest LP harks back to her experimental mixtapes &&&&& and @@@@@, trading the KiCK series’ pop and reggaeton impulses for confrontational, uncompromising electronic sounds.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of confrontational
Adjective
  • The use of force is allowed under certain conditions, according to the personnel board’s order, including when an inmate could be assaultive or hurt themselves — which led Green to dismiss CDCR’s allegation against the officer.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
  • As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
Definition of assaultive

Browse Nearby Words

combating
combative
combativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of combative for Spanish Speakers

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