combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv How to pronounce combative (audio)
Synonyms of combative
: marked by eagerness to fight or contend
combatively adverb
combativeness noun

Synonyms of combative

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Examples of combative in a Sentence

When the police tried to arrest him, he became combative. channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Lise Klaveness, the impressively combative head of the Norwegian Football Federation, would struggle to win enough support but would be an intriguing candidate. — Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 In the combative hearing, Paul and other Republicans accused Fauci of lying in earlier testimony about the coronavirus’s origins, something the longtime National Institutes of Health scientist has forcefully denied. — Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Every stage also awards a €2,000 (or over $2,200) prize to the most combative rider. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026 The exchange captures the tension at the center of Campbell’s combative role in L’Affaire Sorsby, specifically, and intercollegiate athletics more broadly. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for combative

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of combative was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

combat intelligence
combative
combative accent
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Cite this Entry

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

combative

adjective
com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈbat-iv How to pronounce combative (audio)
: eager to fight : pugnacious
combativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on combative

Nglish: Translation of combative for Spanish Speakers

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