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
The combative family dispute is playing out against the backdrop of MAGA politics in Ohio and has become an issue in Miller’s campaign for reelection in what has been considered a solidly Republican congressional seat.
—
Pamela Brown, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
The combative congressman has made waves by pushing inflammatory and sometimes false claims on social media that have been called racist, antisemitic or xenophobic.
—Shannon McCaffrey, AJC.com, 10 June 2026
Authorities said the suspect was combative when deputies encountered him, but he was ultimately taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital.
—Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 7 June 2026
The 21-year-old is combative in duels and boasts plenty of athleticism to cover ground, which could prove crucial in Portugal’s high-risk system.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Pamela Brown, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
The combative congressman has made waves by pushing inflammatory and sometimes false claims on social media that have been called racist, antisemitic or xenophobic.
—Shannon McCaffrey, AJC.com, 10 June 2026
Authorities said the suspect was combative when deputies encountered him, but he was ultimately taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital.
—Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 7 June 2026
The 21-year-old is combative in duels and boasts plenty of athleticism to cover ground, which could prove crucial in Portugal’s high-risk system.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative
Adjective
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That was a fun one, with both teams staying aggressive throughout the match.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
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That more aggressive posture has been exemplified in Lewis George's smaller jousts with the mayor over housing and public safety policies, too.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Trump’s birthday began with a new round of Israeli military strikes in Beirut, which the country said was in response to projectiles fired by the militant group Hezbollah at Israel.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
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Israel’s military said the militant group launched three projectiles, releasing video in which an audible boom was followed by rising smoke.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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But if his intention is a quick rate cut, the new chairman might be entering a hostile work environment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
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French, American, British and other naval crews already have experience of escorting civilian ships through hostile fire in the region.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Striking a balance between releasing children to vetted sponsors and shielding them from danger has proved a contentious partisan disagreement.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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Striking a balance to release children to vetted sponsors and shielding them from danger has proved a contentious partisan disagreement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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De la Espriella has promised to cancel the talks and take a more confrontational approach to rebel groups that includes using airplanes to spray coca fields with herbicides.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
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Much like life across Africa, the exhibition was layered, textured, richly sensual, and at times confrontational.—
Thomas Rom,
ARTnews.com,
8 June 2026
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.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
7 June 2026
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Unlawful activity including blocking roads, intentionally creating hazards and assaultive behavior will not be tolerated.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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