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

Relevance

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

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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
Collins did not attend an event Vice President JD Vance held recently in Brewer, Maine to tout the administration's efforts to combat state-level fraud. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Their campaign focused on combating corruption and insecurity, creating jobs, and strengthening public institutions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
But experts on the use of artificial intelligence in combat say that line already has been crossed. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Released on March 22, 2019, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, Sekiro is widely regarded as one of the most challenging combat games of all time. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 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
  • Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Federal safety investigators urged automakers to give emergency responders better guides on how to fight lithium-ion battery fires.
    — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • The union has opposed such a window on the belief players would feel forced into subpar contracts.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • With Gaines expected to command significant attention from opposing defenses, FIU will need other playmakers to step up.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of oppose
Noun
  • Min Woo Lee leads the field at the 2026 Tour Championship after one round of play, with a score of -8.
    — Data Skrive, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations, Thailand’s Oscar selection body, chose the film from 51 eligible titles after narrowing the field to eight.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of field
Noun
  • There was a brief skirmish in the end zone after Howell's 2-point conversion run.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Its outcome will be a major milestone in the decades-long political skirmishes over CEQA.
    — Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • The only intrigue at offensive line was the backup center battle between Hudson and Patrick.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Detectives charged him with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the vicious attack that killed his mother, 57-year-old Josefa Soto de Guzman, on Friday.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Just like Ejva, who suddenly needs to learn how to protect the herd and make her family proud, even when a violent attack leaves her struggling.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The clash between Ossoff and Piker comes as members of the Jewish community in Atlanta have criticized the Jewish Democrat, largely over his votes to block certain arms sales to Israel.
    — Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of clash
Noun
  • Nattie challenged Jaida Parker to a submission match for Heatwave as their rivalry turned up a notch.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The handlers may represent rival schools, but those rivalries tend to stop at the kennel, pasture or habitat gate, especially when another mascot is sick, retiring or in need of support.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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