as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the boxer was known more for his unbridled combativeness than for his technical skill
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Recent Examples of combativeness
For Republicans, the primary has become a struggle over how to keep Texas red, with their party weighing steadiness, combativeness and reinvention in the post-Trump era.
—
Gromer Jeffers Jr.
political, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
For those reading the tea leaves about the level of combativeness that next year’s talks could bring, some members of the strike-era leadership are back in 2026.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
In a derby that former Manchester United captain Roy Keane bemoaned for the lack of combativeness and local representation, Khusanov played like a kid from Stockport finally getting to live out his dream of flattening everyone in a red jersey.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Republican politicians have canceled meetings or opted to hold them virtually in response to criticism and combativeness from voters, and some Democratic town halls have also been targeted.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Gromer Jeffers Jr.
political, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
For those reading the tea leaves about the level of combativeness that next year’s talks could bring, some members of the strike-era leadership are back in 2026.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
In a derby that former Manchester United captain Roy Keane bemoaned for the lack of combativeness and local representation, Khusanov played like a kid from Stockport finally getting to live out his dream of flattening everyone in a red jersey.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Republican politicians have canceled meetings or opted to hold them virtually in response to criticism and combativeness from voters, and some Democratic town halls have also been targeted.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combativeness
Noun
-
In the public mind, weakness invited aggression.—
Dustin Olson,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Moreover, America is already committed to defending Greenland against aggression via Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.—
Peter Juul Tribune News Service,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And the first half was a virtuoso blend of aggressiveness and controlling tempo from Payton, as Nix had a couple of deep shots to Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, but also controlled the game with his legs.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
18 Jan. 2026
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The 2026 version of the San Diego Mojo is built on a blend of toughness and aggressiveness that shines through with a relentless defense that extends rallies and attempts to frustrate the offense on the other side of the net.—
Tim Meehan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Stuart said the measure reflects a sobering escalation in political hostility and violence.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
In his second term, their defining emotions are hostility and happiness.—
Christine Zhang,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Combativeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combativeness. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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