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
This year, Republicans at the convention will be faced with whether to choose combative anti-establishment candidates or more conventional ones.
—
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Some users online have also complained about the model being restrained and combative, refusing to comply with even straightforward and benign requests.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 May 2026
This morning, the emotional Moon opposes combative Mars, so tempers and needs can pull in opposite directions.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Our two centre-backs practically pick themselves; Marcos Senesi combines combative defending with expansive distribution, while no player in the Premier League gets close to Jan Paul van Hecke’s 448 line-breaking passes from defence.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for combative
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.
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Some users online have also complained about the model being restrained and combative, refusing to comply with even straightforward and benign requests.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 May 2026
This morning, the emotional Moon opposes combative Mars, so tempers and needs can pull in opposite directions.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Our two centre-backs practically pick themselves; Marcos Senesi combines combative defending with expansive distribution, while no player in the Premier League gets close to Jan Paul van Hecke’s 448 line-breaking passes from defence.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 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 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
