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 At once pugnaciously combative and unreservedly sentimental, Landon chose to take the series out with a commentary on class revolt. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 The release says a 29-year-old man became combative with first responders, and a paramedic shot him. — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026 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 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
  • In March, a group of major medical organizations, including the AHA and the American College of Cardiology, released new guidelines urging more aggressive treatment of cholesterol.
    — Anne Thompson, NBC news, 16 July 2026
  • His team is curious about the fuel effects of acceleration and aggressive driving and other air pollutants that might increase with speeding.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 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
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Ibiza is hostile to new club owners, and Ushuaïa faced the usual onslaught.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 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
  • Smith had a somewhat confrontational exchange with the two women in the back of his police cruiser that day.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
  • 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
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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Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of combative for Spanish Speakers

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