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

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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

Examples 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

To combat all the injuries, the Chiefs have made a number of corresponding moves as the team juggles starters. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 After endorsing Trump, Kennedy launched the Make America Healthy Again campaign, which focuses on combatting chronic diseases—such as diabetes and heart disease—and laid out a handful of policy ideas to do that in a September Wall Street Journal editorial. —

Emily Mullin, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

Batman and his rogues' gallery are more focused on hand-to-hand combat and gimmicks like laughing gas. —

Christian Holub, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Ann served eight years in the military, including a 15-month combat tour in Iraq. —

Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for combat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat

Verb

Features like the double guest cabins (one on the main deck and a second on the upper deck) mean that the yacht is well-arranged for large groups and no one has to fight over who gets the smaller cabin.

Katia Damborsky, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
In recent weeks, while fighting abated on one front after Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas’ Lebanese ally Hezbollah, members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, including his justice and police ministers, have clashed with the judiciary.

Reuters, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024