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
The president’s softer tone towards China, despite no formal talks, was in stark contrast to his more combative rhetoric earlier in April.
—
Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Over the chaotic weekend that follows, people-pleaser Edward must juggle his burgeoning career plans with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies — none of whom really get along with any of the others.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025
Promoted from League One last May, the Rams were combative against promotion candidates.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
By creating a context that shows you’re invested in the team’s success, your colleagues are more likely to see your comments as constructive rather than combative.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combative
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Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Over the chaotic weekend that follows, people-pleaser Edward must juggle his burgeoning career plans with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies — none of whom really get along with any of the others.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025
Promoted from League One last May, the Rams were combative against promotion candidates.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
By creating a context that shows you’re invested in the team’s success, your colleagues are more likely to see your comments as constructive rather than combative.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combative
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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