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
  • Pakistan has often accused Afghanistan and India of supporting the TTP and other militant groups, allegations both countries deny.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Israel invaded southern Lebanon in March after Hezbollah, a Shia Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, resumed strikes on Israel to avenge the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 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
  • Wendi and Markel settled their contentious divorce in 2013 without a trial.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The first budget meeting typically serves as a curtain-raiser for a two-week sprint to eliminate as many contentious budget provisions as possible — often with one-time revenue sources that kick the fiscal can to another year.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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