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
Choi likes to be prepared to combat hunger cravings on busy days. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025 There's little research, however, supporting the use of supplements to combat allergies. Sarah Cottone, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
The system includes a clarifying shampoo, keratin treatment, and nourishing hair mask, each infused with hydrolyzed keratin and antioxidant-rich açaí and cacao to restore hydration, combat oxidative stress, and unveil a noticeably smoother, more manageable texture. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 And that seemed to me a thing that was often missing from cinematic representations of combat. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
  • In the final season of the Emmy-winning drama series, June will fight to take down Gilead with Luke and Moira joining the resistance, per Hulu.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • No medication cures measles, only time and the hope that a child’s body can fight it.
    Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His remarks are at odds with the state's GOP, as California Senate oppose the bill, arguing that the legislation prioritizes political agendas over the safety and security of California residents.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • One of them is his refusal to recognize Russia’s unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014 – a step that Mr. Trump is demanding of him, and that European leaders also oppose.
    Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Once both players are on the field, Reid envisions a healthy competition for playing time and invaluable depth.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Understanding how attackers adapt helps refine defenses based on what actually works in the field.
    Nick Rieniets, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.
    Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lorna Romero Ferguson, a Republican political strategist based in Arizona, told the Washington Examiner that both parties are still going to have to battle over redistricting efforts and keep extremist candidates from the ballot box to stay competitive after the 2030 census.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In March, two days of U.S. attacks killed more than 50 people, Houthi officials said.
    USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The attack on Ras Isa Fuel Port marked a widening of the U.S. bombing campaign, which had previously targeted Houthi forces and their command centers elsewhere in Yemen.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Orlando City and Atlanta United will meet on Saturday in a fierce rivalry MLS matchup, a game soccer fans in the U.S. won't want to miss.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Her Wings jersey is already generating significant sales, suggesting the potential for an ongoing rivalry with Clark not just on the court but in the merchandise marketplace as well.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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