combative

adjective

com·bat·ive kəm-ˈba-tiv

Synonyms of combative

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

combatively adverb

combativeness noun

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.

If Smith can’t reach that height, then the Alvarado and McConnell comparisons are more apt, and both of those two players are combative and successful defensive players. — Tony East, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 In settling, Meta reversed its previously combative approach to lawsuits alleging its products harmed children, Gadinis said. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister also sharpened his already-combative rhetoric against Erdogan. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Falwell and the Moral Majority were brash, combative, and wrong. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

combative

adjective

com·bat·ive kəm-ˈbat-iv

: eager to fight : pugnacious

combativeness noun

combative

adjective

Synonyms of combative

Examples of combative in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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