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 Falwell and the Moral Majority were brash, combative, and wrong. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 Her combative and energetic style made her one of the administration's most recognizable public faces. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 The race has already inflamed tensions within the Democratic Party over how to energize liberal voters eager for unapologetic, combative candidates while not alienating independents and moderates who have been key to winning in battlegrounds. — Matt Brown, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 Newcastle’s talismanic captain, who guided them to their first major domestic silverware in 70 years, has made his name as a combative and creative all-round midfielder. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 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
  • The aggressive action will be closely watched by other states and school systems.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Tour participants described an aggressive interrogation by an Israeli border agent.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Abductions are common in Nigeria, where militant groups target schoolchildren and other civilians to put pressure on the government and extract ransoms.
    — Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The strikes came after Israel blamed the militant Hezbollah group for firing two explosive drones.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • Kuwait's army said its air defence systems were targeting hostile missile and drone attacks.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some recent laws, including the Safer Skies Act of 2025, grant state and local agencies (though not private-sector entities) greater license to detect and track hostile drones.
    — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Several cities across the nation are locked in a contentious debate over Flock cameras, but in Erlanger, that decision has been made.
    — Brooklyn Andres, Fox 19 Cincinnati, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The latest version of the polling place plan follows a contentious August meeting about a proposal to reduce the number of Election Day voting locations for the November midterm from 316 in 2022 to 176 in 2026.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • Since taking over in March, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has pivoted from the confrontational style of immigration enforcement of his predecessor, Kristi Noem.
    — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Cardi’s personality does the rest, turning every bar into an extension of the track’s confrontational energy.
    — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of confrontational
Adjective
  • The use of force is allowed under certain conditions, according to the personnel board’s order, including when an inmate could be assaultive or hurt themselves — which led Green to dismiss CDCR’s allegation against the officer.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
  • 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
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 4 Sep. 2026.

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