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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 What was once a highly focused, if combative, investment thesis has evolved into a campaign to defend the moral and economic logic that Ackman believes underpins American capitalism itself. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026 Norton said her mother was kind and pleasant and never combative. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026 The moody Moon in your 4th House of Home squares combative Mars in your 1st House of Identity, stirring tension between private emotions and personal pride. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Explanations as to why he was fired have varied widely from the defense minister allegedly being too corrupt, not corrupt enough, too combative with army leadership, too showy, too popular, and too in the clouds on military matters. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for combative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative

Adjective

And this sort of confrontation has become more common in recent years as Beijing has taken a more aggressive stance.

— Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
By balancing strict fiscal management with an aggressive plan to diversify support and expand with new donors, the organization aims to ensure long-term stability while continuing to deliver high-quality artistic programming to Charlotte.

— Catherine Muccigrosso July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

That militant arm of the Democratic Party kept Black voters from going to the polls, sometimes by violence, The Observer reported.

— Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
So far, the Houthis have been unable or unwilling to enforce the blockade that the militant group announced Tuesday.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of militant

Adjective

The instinct most change-makers follow is to spend their energy converting the hostile 10%.

— Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
The three companies intend to develop integrated solutions capable of detecting, tracking and defeating hostile drones operating in maritime environments, where protecting ships and offshore assets presents unique operational challenges.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026

Definition of hostile

Adjective

In the meantime, the deadly encounter has reignited a contentious debate about body cameras, one that has long vexed local officials and pitted some of the city’s progressive groups against each other.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Now its rise is intensifying an already contentious race between the US and China to dominate cutting-edge AI.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

While advocates and civil rights activists accused the department of mistreating immigrants under his leadership, Mullin’s less confrontational approach seemed to keep the department out of the spotlight.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
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

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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of combative

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on combative

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

aerie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes