variants
or combatting
1
as in fighting
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
a general eager to combat the enemy on his own ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opposing
to strive to reduce or eliminate
must marshal all of our resources to combat this disease
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 combating
The organization, whose core mission is combating political extremism, argues fiscal crises historically create the conditions for radical political actors to gain traction.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
As part of the settlement, Purdue itself would cease to exist and be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a board appointed by the states and an aim of combating the opioid crisis.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
As part of the settlement, Purdue itself would cease to exist and be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a board appointed by the states and an aim of combating the opioid crisis.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Following military coups, the juntas in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso turned from Western allies to Russia for help combating Islamic militants.
—Wilson McMakin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies to Russia for help in combating Islamic militants.
—CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Since Vision Zero launched in 2014, New York City has led the nation in combating traffic violence by deploying world-class street design, greater public education, and expanded enforcement efforts.
—Mike Flynn, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Among the most controversial recent amendments to German cultural policy came in 2024, when German parliament approved a declaration aimed at combating antisemitism.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
On foreign policy, polls show that the biggest priority for Latinos is combatting drug trafficking and organized crime.
—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
As part of the settlement, Purdue itself would cease to exist and be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a board appointed by the states and an aim of combating the opioid crisis.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
As part of the settlement, Purdue itself would cease to exist and be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a board appointed by the states and an aim of combating the opioid crisis.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Following military coups, the juntas in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso turned from Western allies to Russia for help combating Islamic militants.
—Wilson McMakin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies to Russia for help in combating Islamic militants.
—CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Since Vision Zero launched in 2014, New York City has led the nation in combating traffic violence by deploying world-class street design, greater public education, and expanded enforcement efforts.
—Mike Flynn, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Among the most controversial recent amendments to German cultural policy came in 2024, when German parliament approved a declaration aimed at combating antisemitism.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
On foreign policy, polls show that the biggest priority for Latinos is combatting drug trafficking and organized crime.
—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combating
Verb
-
At that point, the White House needs approval from the legislative branch to continue fighting, according to the War Powers Resolution, a law aimed at reasserting Congress’ constitutional role of declaring war.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
-
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that at least 2,659 people have died in Lebanon and over 8,000 have been injured since Israel and Hezbollah began fighting in March.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The two countries have backed opposing forces in Yemen and are competing economically.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Firefighters battling the Trinity fire in San Bernardino County on Friday caught a glimpse of a rare phenomenon.—
Blanca Begert,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
The Thunder earned a bit of a break and awaits two teams battling injuries in the Lakers and Rockets.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
That speed signals urgency in countering evolving maritime threats.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
-
As such, comment sections provide for citizens to discuss the important issues of the time, to hear countering opinions, and to not only inform themselves about the news but also engage with it and participate.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Combating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combating. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
