combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈba-tiv 

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

combatively adverb

combativeness noun

Synonyms

• aggressive
• agonistic
• argumentative
• assaultive
• bellicose
• belligerent
• brawly
• chippy
• confrontational
• contentious
• discordant
• disputatious
• feisty
• gladiatorial
• militant
• pugnacious
• quarrelsome
• scrappy
• truculent
• warlike

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

While slightly less combative than Kayhan, Javan still conveyed conditional skepticism, framing Washington's intentions as unclear and demanding visible signs of commitment before endorsing the process. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

Peterson did not mention President Trump or his administration's combative stance against federal judges and the courts. —Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025

Shia LaBeouf accused of 'combative' acting, physical abuse This isn't the first time LaBeouf has been accused of professional misconduct and physical abuse. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

Nealy was even combative when the judge ordered him to raise his right hand. —Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

combative

adjective

com·​bat·​ive kəm-ˈbat-iv 

: eager to fight : pugnacious

combativeness noun