COMBATIVE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

combative

adjective

kəm-ˈba-tiv

Definition of combative

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports

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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

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

The deal envisions peaceful relations between the two states and lays out a road map to disarm the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, secure Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanon and restore Lebanese sovereignty over its entire national territory.

— Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
The Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by the militant group, Islamic State.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 10 July 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

An independent review of the scoring in Manny Pacquiao’s contentious WBO welterweight world title loss to Jeff Horn confirms the outcome in favor of the Australian.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Since 2024, singer Frank Carter has stepped into the role established by John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, who last performed with the band in 2008 and continues to have a contentious relationship with them.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 10 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

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“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of combative

adjective

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