combative
adjective
com·bat·ive
kəm-ˈba-tiv 
: marked by eagerness to fight or contend
combatively
adverb
combativeness
noun
Synonyms
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
Vance's combative tone was emblematic of the broader MAGA cultural agenda, which prioritizes division over unity and power over mercy.
—
Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
So even as Chinese officials are welcoming overtures from a less combative Trump in week one of his presidency, there’s skepticism within China that those warmer-than-expected signals will last.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Moskowitz, who is beginning his second term in the House, generated lots of attention for his combative relationship with the Oversight Committee Chair, James Comer.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2025
In a Republican Party that turned sharply rightward and more combative, Spencer was a moderate who valued compromise.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for combative 
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Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
So even as Chinese officials are welcoming overtures from a less combative Trump in week one of his presidency, there’s skepticism within China that those warmer-than-expected signals will last.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Moskowitz, who is beginning his second term in the House, generated lots of attention for his combative relationship with the Oversight Committee Chair, James Comer.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2025
In a Republican Party that turned sharply rightward and more combative, Spencer was a moderate who valued compromise.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for combative
Dictionary Entries Near combative
Cite this Entry
“Combative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combative. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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