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
Andy Rose, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Miami needed Herro in the fight to combat Cleveland’s shooting, but he was not even involved in most of the action in the fourth quarter.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
The new aircraft is designed to carry out the same kinds of missions as the Black Hawk—transporting troops and equipment into combat zones—but with greater range, speed, and survivability.
—Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combat
Verb
The university received a failing grade from the Anti-Defamation League last year, which released a report assessing how US colleges combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Miami needed Herro in the fight to combat Cleveland’s shooting, but he was not even involved in most of the action in the fourth quarter.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Pilot Berry, who also served a combat tour in Vietnam in 1969 and ’70, is also left with sadness at the war’s futility.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
The new aircraft is designed to carry out the same kinds of missions as the Black Hawk—transporting troops and equipment into combat zones—but with greater range, speed, and survivability.
—Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Understanding how attackers adapt helps refine defenses based on what actually works in the field.—
Nick Rieniets,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Francis died Monday at 88 years old following a life-threatening battle with respiratory ailments.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Barner had a good rookie season and the battle between him and Arroyo will be interesting to watch.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Whitmer wages charm offensive against Trump as other Dems attack As much as Trump enjoys skewering his rivals, the president has lauded Whitmer on multiple occasions since returning to power.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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The next year, several of them banded together to launch their own attack on the Ottoman empire.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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India has been a nuclear power for over 50 years, possessing an arsenal that is publicly clandestine but capable in warfare—notably against its neighboring country, Pakistan, amid their decades-long clash over Kashmir.—
Nick Mordowanec
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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Reflecting on their past as competing late-night talk show hosts, Leno said that the way the media portrayed their rivalry was not accurate.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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