combat 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbat How to pronounce combat (audio)
Definition of combatnext
1
as in to fight
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict a general eager to combat the enemy on his own ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate must marshal all of our resources to combat this disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

combat

2 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-ˌbat How to pronounce combat (audio)
1
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war a soldier who served throughout the war without actually seeing combat

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups the two stags entered a furious combat for dominance of the herd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in battle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the fierce ideological combat between the religionists and the secularists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb combat differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combat are oppose, resist, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to combat?

In some situations, the words oppose and combat are roughly equivalent. However, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When can resist be used instead of combat?

The words resist and combat can be used in similar contexts, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

In what contexts can withstand take the place of combat?

The words withstand and combat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

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 combat
Verb
Without human oversight, AI can end up penalizing the very communities most vulnerable to the hateful content the systems are designed to combat. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 When those tariffs expired last month, the president issued another round of global tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is meant to combat unfair or discriminatory economic practices by other nations. — Reuters, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
One of Nebel’s major works was still there — The Wrestlers, a huge plaster work of two sinewy men locked in combat, which had been his thesis as a student. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 July 2026 Place bird baths in part shade during summer to keep water cooler; move them to sunnier spots in winter to combat freezing. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
  1. fight
  2. oppose
  3. field
  4. skirmish
  5. battle
  6. attack
  7. clash
  8. rivalry
Verb
  • But the judge’s order showed a possible path forward for other court fights around the country as Meta faces mounting legal, regulatory and public pressure to do more to protect young people.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Garlic Garlic is rich in plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive (fighting high blood pressure) properties.
    — Carrie Madormo, HEALTH, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • And a pro-clean energy super PAC called the Invest In Tomorrow Coalition spent around $2 million to support Hatcher and oppose Ogles last month.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Maniace is a director of a Queens nonprofit that opposes Metropolitan Park and one of five residents suing to revoke the casino’s state license.
    — Len Maniace, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of oppose
Noun
  • After an intentional walk to Seiya Suzuki, Crow-Armstrong took off for third and came around when the throw from Valenzuela glanced off Josh Smith’s glove and into short left field.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The edge defender walked off the field with team trainers and did not return, though Koonce continued to practice.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of field
Noun
  • The eagle, beloved worldwide through a Big Bear nest livestream with mate Shadow and eaglets Sandy and Luna, was rescued emaciated after a skirmish with younger birds.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There were one-on-one periods between the receivers and cornerbacks, a brief skirmish and extensive team periods.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • Even now, weeks into efforts to battle misinformation, some residents hold mistaken views of the outbreak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This was the first indication that Fred Johnson actually has the edge in the swing tackle battle.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • In recent years and as online culture changed, Hilton toned down his public attacks and appeared to embrace fatherhood and adopt a kinder public persona, even integrating more family-friendly content on his site.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • On April 1, Shawnda Jackson, the girl's grandmother, said there had been six adult relatives at the house, where the girl lived with 11 relatives, when the attack happened.
    — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • O’Donnell and Hasselbeck again publicly sparred over social media after the former replied to a question about their 2007 clash on the Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel podcast.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Pelley was fired after a clash with new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of clash
Noun
  • The unusually open rivalry within the theocracy's leadership points to a struggle for control over Iran’s postwar future.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That leaves the door open for the continuation of the blockbuster rivalry between Rhodes and Orton, who has been off TV for the past few months.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of rivalry

Browse Nearby Words

comb
combat
combatant
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Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on combat

Nglish: Translation of combat for Spanish Speakers

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