COMBAT Synonyms: 175 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

combat 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbat

Definition of combat next

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

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

combat

2 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-ˌbat

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

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

truce

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

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

The blaze, dubbed the Sepulveda Fire, prompted evacuation warnings for residents as local television stations showed multiple fire engines on the scene and firefighting helicopters dumping water to combat the fire. —

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 The event will welcome more than 100 firefighters who have been at the forefront of combating the California wildfires, to celebrate the major night in music. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

Snag popular designs like these No Boundaries combat boots, Madden NYC moto boots, metallic sneakers, and more. —

Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Murkowski and Collins pointed to Hegseth’s past comments about women serving in combat roles. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for combat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat

Verb

But Wong fought his case all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled on March 28, 1898, that the 14th Amendment guaranteed U.S. citizenship to Wong and any other person born on U.S. soil.

— Russell Contreras, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025
Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has confirmed the deployment of troops from North Korea to fight Ukrainian forces.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025