combative
adjective
com·bat·ive
kəm-ˈba-tiv 
: 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
Fennell teases out the tricky evolution of the characters’ deep bond, from steadfast sibling affection toward a combative, quasi-incestuous desire.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Is the relationship between two people with the same goal collaborative or combative?
—CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
The march was organized by an activist organization called the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, which mobilized a wide coalition of grassroots sports groups, civic and environmental movements, students, housing activists, combative unions, pro‑Palestine networks and transfeminist collectives.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The move was cheered with combative statements by California Democratic leaders.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
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Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Is the relationship between two people with the same goal collaborative or combative?
—CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
The march was organized by an activist organization called the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, which mobilized a wide coalition of grassroots sports groups, civic and environmental movements, students, housing activists, combative unions, pro‑Palestine networks and transfeminist collectives.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The move was cheered with combative statements by California Democratic leaders.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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