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 At once pugnaciously combative and unreservedly sentimental, Landon chose to take the series out with a commentary on class revolt. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 The release says a 29-year-old man became combative with first responders, and a paramedic shot him. — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026 Too good to be a benchwarmer, in a starting line-up, the Brazilian’s all-action qualities may align best with Rice to give Arsenal another combative and forward-thinking option in their engine room. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 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
  • In March, a group of major medical organizations, including the AHA and the American College of Cardiology, released new guidelines urging more aggressive treatment of cholesterol.
    — Anne Thompson, NBC news, 16 July 2026
  • His team is curious about the fuel effects of acceleration and aggressive driving and other air pollutants that might increase with speeding.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Lopez has expressed his qualms with Belichick’s militant locker room culture.
    — Noah Vinsky July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
  • The surrounding province of Sistan and Baluchestan has also faced a yearslong insurgency by Sunni Baloch militant groups.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Ibiza is hostile to new club owners, and Ushuaïa faced the usual onslaught.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • This fundamental disagreement between the league and players sets the stage for a contentious battle during upcoming CBA negotiations, questioning whether the current system truly benefits the league long-term.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • One of the more contentious decisions was replacing the old 14th hole with a new short-game area, although there is no disputing the quality of the practice facilities.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • 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
  • Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié became the second player to be issued a red card at the World Cup under FIFA’s new rule that calls for a player to be sent off for covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 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
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Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of combative for Spanish Speakers

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