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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of combat
Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Jones’ bill aimed to combat some of these amendments, which may result in a 65-cent per gallon increase in gas prices.
—Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
During a conversation with soldiers on a water break from combat training, William brought up the topic of family in a moment that some royal watchers saw as pointed.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combat
Verb
Schools’ efforts to combat absenteeism matter, but so does a state’s, said Hedy Chang, executive director and founder of Attendance Works.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Jones’ bill aimed to combat some of these amendments, which may result in a 65-cent per gallon increase in gas prices.
—Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
The military said the soldiers, all in their early 20s, died during combat on Monday, without providing details.
—Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
During a conversation with soldiers on a water break from combat training, William brought up the topic of family in a moment that some royal watchers saw as pointed.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
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One idea was to add tanks or other iconic Army equipment to an exhibit parked on the National Mall where tourists could learn about the Army's history of fighting the nation's wars.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
14 June 2025
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Asked about the optics of the two groups fighting each other through open letters to city leadership, Martinez pointed out that both Black and Latino students have seen significant improvements in literacy rates under his tenure.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot more vocally opposed pension sweeteners during her term, including a last-ditch attempt to convince Pritzker to veto firefighter pension legislation that was projected to add between $18 million and $30 million to the city’s annual bill.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
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Majorities oppose the imposition of tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, with approval ratings of just 27%, 29% and 36%, respectively.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the Royals grounds crew raced to the field to put on the tarp.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2025
-
Eight women's college soccer, volleyball and track and field athletes have filed an appeal challenging the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
One skirmish involved the arrest of a union leader, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union of California, who said he was injured and detained by ICE.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
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Alongside Israeli military drills, stalled diplomatic talks, and proxy skirmishes, these hostile warnings signal a dangerous escalation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The two journalists paid tribute to the late MTV VJ, who died Wednesday following a prolonged battle with breast cancer, during a CNN segment on Thursday.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
14 June 2025
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The ruling adds to a larger ongoing legal battle over a 90-year-old Supreme Court decision known as Humphrey’s Executor.—
Lea Skene,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Try supplements: Certain supplements, such as Riboflavin and CoQ10, can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
-
Gangs control at least 85% of its capital, Port-au-Prince, and have launched attacks in the country’s central region in recent years.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Boys lacrosse In a wild Div. 4 round of 16 clash, host Littleton received a goal from Zach Milner with five seconds remaining to list the Tigers to a thrilling 13-12 victory over host Lynnfield.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
6 June 2025
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This clash has had tangible repercussions: Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop, erasing over $150 billion in market value, while Trump Media saw a decline of approximately $500 million.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Rivals follows the rivalry between an old money MP, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), who clash over control of a fictional independent TV station in the 1980s.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 June 2025
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According to a report from TMZ Sports, the on-screen rivalry has become deeply personal.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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