as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
channeling his naturally combative impulses into sports
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the boxer was known more for his unbridled combativeness than for his technical skill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of combative
Carrie Kahn, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
Clearly, anyone who is that combative is trying to protect their heart.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Randy Fine, a combative state senator who clashed with Gov. Ron DeSantis, won the open-seat race in northeast Florida’s 6th congressional district to succeed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for combative
Adjective
She's called for more technology and coordination along Ecuador's combative coastline and ports.
—Carrie Kahn, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
Clearly, anyone who is that combative is trying to protect their heart.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Randy Fine, a combative state senator who clashed with Gov. Ron DeSantis, won the open-seat race in northeast Florida’s 6th congressional district to succeed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for combative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combative
Adjective
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The prison has become a symbol of Bukele's aggressive policies that have targeted gang violence.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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Young has struggled against the Heat’s aggressive defense in recent years.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Americans lacked a sense of urgency about Nazi aggression.—
Tamar Jacoby,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Related article Ukraine’s European allies say Russian aggression is pushing peace out of reach, as US envoy meets Putin The new administration has opened multiple channels to Moscow, following three years of diplomatic isolation.—
Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The attack at Pahalgam on Tuesday was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an offshoot of Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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However, Pakistan denied any connection to the attack, which was claimed by a militant group that called itself the Kashmir Resistance.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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John Shine described to me a research trip to the hostile mountain environs of Tasmania, where snakes stay under cover except for the 20 or 30 warm days each year.—
Stephen S. Hall,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
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Union members shared other experiences and stories, including those of an increasingly hostile work environment for some.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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When expectant fathers face hostility or subtle exclusion at work, the consequences can extend beyond their own careers.—
Kim Elsesser,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Questions were raised over Putin’s motives in calling the brief halt to hostilities, which came just after the Trump administration threatened to abandon peace efforts without tangible signs of progress.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some of his actions have been highly contentious, including his decision to deport migrants to an El Salvadorian prison using an 18th century wartime statute — which was subject to legal challenges.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
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The implementation was originally blocked in federal court and sparked a contentious legal back-and-forth.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior or conscious selection of victim's vulnerability indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others, such that the offender poses a continuing threat to public safety.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
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The effect is assaultive but clever, jolting listeners’ reflexes and then toying with their attention.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combative. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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