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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, leaving thousands of residents displaced as firefighters combat strong winds and dry conditions to contain the blazes. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Jan. 2025 Having that clearer picture of the role genes play can also help researchers develop more effective drug treatments – which includes repurposing existing medications, such as those used to combat chronic pain and narcolepsy. —

New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2025

Noun

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects help combat chronic (long-lasting) inflammation and oxidative stress, which are often associated with cancer development. —

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 11 Jan. 2025 The experts agree, the trick to picking the best foundation for dry skin is all in selecting formulas that include nourishing ingredients to combat dehydration. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for combat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat

Verb

Part 3: Hunter Biden to fight felony firearm charges in Delaware trial Judgment Day: Why 2024 rematch won’t be any old sequel Election Day was less than six months away, and voters had a familiar choice of Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2025
But TikTok has fought the law at every turn, arguing that the U.S. government is overstepping its bounds by attempting to regulate foreign ownership of a private company.

Nik Popli, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025