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
Your 9th House of Mental Growth takes the spotlight as the empathetic Moon fusses over combative Mars.
—
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Her onstage persona is reminiscent of a battering ram — plainspoken, combative, and staccato.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
Trump’s speech was at times entertaining, rambling, repetitive, and combative.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Those who like combative, left-leaning leaders might cast their votes for one of these two Washington vets.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 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.
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Her onstage persona is reminiscent of a battering ram — plainspoken, combative, and staccato.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
Trump’s speech was at times entertaining, rambling, repetitive, and combative.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Those who like combative, left-leaning leaders might cast their votes for one of these two Washington vets.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 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 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
