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 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
  1. aggressive
  2. militant
  3. hostile
  4. contentious
  5. confrontational
  6. assaultive
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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