combat 1 of 2

combat

2 of 2

noun

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
3

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
Movement is linked with the release of feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, too, which can help combat symptoms of depression, Dr. Gallagher says. Korin Miller, SELF, 24 July 2025 Once again, this agency is undermining legitimate efforts to combat discrimination and expand opportunity by overstepping its authority and intervening in employment matters reserved for other government entities with proper jurisdiction on these issues. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
Noun
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is the Defense Department's only tri-service base, a hub with global reach, responsible for providing mission support, airlift, air refueling and combat airpower. Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025 Family members of active military will get a $25 discount, and family members of military personnel who died in combat will also be able to receive PreCheck for free. Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
  • Remember, strong relationships don’t mean never fighting.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Trump’s tariffs are unpopular in polls, and businesses have fought them.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Senators Rand Paul and Tim Kaine oppose the tariffs, citing negative impacts on businesses and retaliatory tariffs from allies.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
  • The Academy's guidelines now strongly oppose using spanking as a method of discipline by listing the consequences of doing so, broken down by age group.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • But the rocket quickly lost power from two of its engines and stalled just above the launch pad before coming down in a nearby field.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
  • This field is generating significant buzz among major tech companies like IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • This is the third bench-clearing skirmish for the Angels this season, though none has resulted in ejections.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • That’s right, the first camp skirmish pitted a pair of rookies, tackle Josh Simmons and interior defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott, with Simmons appearing to land a right-handed blow to Norman-Lott’s helmet.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • There is a battle shaping up for the fourth safety spot between Jefferson, rookie RJ Mickens and Kendall Williamson.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • Some have been centered around critical positional battles while others have been about player holdouts turning into player hold-ins.
    Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • The restaurant was a favorite hangout of the Gilbert Goons and the site of seven parking lot attacks, according to beating videos, interviews and police records.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
  • Walmart provided security footage that reportedly confirms both the attack and the theft.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Navarro and Griffin have long had tension on the air, including past eye-rolling and clashes.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Thai Health Ministry said 15 civilians and one soldier had been killed and 46 civilians and 15 soldiers wounded in the clashes since Thursday.
    Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Trump's hardline trade stance, however, risks straining the delicate U.S.-India defense relationship, which has blossomed in recent years in a sign of India's geostrategic importance to the United States amid its rivalry with China.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
  • Due to their ensuing real-life and fictional rivalry to reach the top of the WWE pinnacle, there was still some bad blood between Punk and Triple H as the latter moved into an executive position.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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