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 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 Warming to his theme, Roberts pushed back at the sometimes-combative relationship between artists and those dishing out public funds. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026 Both meetings were combative, according to a recording obtained by MS NOW. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 As Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's politics have evolved — from combative outsider to pragmatic establishment leader — so, too, has her fashion sensibility. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative

Adjective

Cramer also pointed to Abercrombie's aggressive share repurchases as another boost to earnings per share.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough, being aggressive in what was a must-win series finale against the Washington Nationals, chose to go to his bullpen early.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

That 2023 event saw Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups kill 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals and abduct 251 people.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
In early September, 1972, a Palestinian militant group called Black September infiltrated the Olympic Games in Munich and killed eleven Israeli athletes.

— Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

Forecasters said the system is expected to be short-lived because of hostile environmental conditions starting on Friday that will prevent it from developing further.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Electronic warfare systems such as NGJ-MB are carried by aircraft and use advanced electronics to interfere with or counter hostile electromagnetic systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostile

Adjective

Gonzalez appeared at a contentious July congressional hearing in which the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History director, Anthea Hartig, was grilled on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its programming.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Arsenal looks to repeat last season’s championship run, and their contentious loss to PSG in the Champions League final could serve as further incentive for Mikel Arteta’s squad to run riot.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

Although the scenes in the past consist of long conversations, that dialogue is provocative and confrontational, in ways that make what’s happening in Silo 18 feel somnambulant.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
But many Madrid supporters — and Perez — accepted Mourinho’s ultra-confrontational approach.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 21 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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“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of combative

adjective

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