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

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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