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
Sidelined, but among family Orbán’s bruising election loss was welcomed with relief by many EU leaders and viewed by many observers as a rebuke of his combative approach to the EU and close ties to Russia.
—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Hurzeler has turned him into a combative and largely effective right-back.
—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
Their energy is heavy and combative, so much so with Shamea that Cynthia tries to orchestrate a come-to-Jesus moment at Lake Bailey.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
The veteran journalist also offered insight into why Trump continues to grant her interviews despite their often combative exchanges.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Hurzeler has turned him into a combative and largely effective right-back.
—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
Their energy is heavy and combative, so much so with Shamea that Cynthia tries to orchestrate a come-to-Jesus moment at Lake Bailey.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
The veteran journalist also offered insight into why Trump continues to grant her interviews despite their often combative exchanges.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative
Adjective
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Grey-zone tactics refer to a range of aggressive tactics that vary from navy ship patrols to drone flights, but fall short of direct combat.
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That will be decided in the coming hours, as the Heat remains in aggressive pursuit of a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Adjective
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The interim deal is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon where Israeli forces are battling the militant Hezbollah group.
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Despite an October ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas, the enclave has seen near-daily Israeli attacks that have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Adjective
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The complaint alleges that school officials at Southern Hills Middle School failed to stop two years of antisemitic harassment against an eighth grader even after investigations concluded the student faced a hostile environment.
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Create an internal incident map and begin tagging hostile actions according to the DISARM taxonomy.
Adjective
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Republicans decry fraud while Democrats worry about hunger SNAP’s new rules remain contentious in Congress.
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This has proven to be a contentious change for myriad reasons.
Adjective
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But from coast to coast, confrontational progressives are advancing in mayoral races.
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But from coast to coast, confrontational progressives are advancing in mayoral races.
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.
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Unlawful activity including blocking roads, intentionally creating hazards and assaultive behavior will not be tolerated.
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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