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 Too good to be a benchwarmer, in a starting line-up, the Brazilian’s all-action qualities may align best with Rice to give Arsenal another combative and forward-thinking option in their engine room. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026 The responding officer recognized Poirier from his professional fighting career and requested backup because of what the report described as his combative behavior. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Up to this point, the narrator’s been an interrogative, at times combative presence. — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 21 June 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
  • Jones more aggressive Jones’ three appearances in the California Classic were defined by a passive way of playing.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
  • Your dog is reactive or aggressive around other animals or strangers.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • 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.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
  • There are also concerns that fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon could escalate once more and derail future talks.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 30 June 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • Islamic extremism remains the biggest threat but over the past five years, threats from far-right groups and hostile states have significantly grown, said Laurence Taylor, head of counterterrorism police.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • Officials said the aircraft will strengthen surveillance over vast northern waters and improve Denmark’s ability to detect hostile submarines operating in the region.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
    — Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié became the second player to be issued a red card at the World Cup under FIFA’s new rule that calls for a player to be sent off for covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • There's a confrontational moment between Tom and Mary for the first time.
    — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026
Definition of confrontational
Adjective
  • 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
  • Unlawful activity including blocking roads, intentionally creating hazards and assaultive behavior will not be tolerated.
    — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Definition of assaultive

Browse Nearby Words

combating
combative
combativeness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of combative for Spanish Speakers

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