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
Shortly after the beatdown, video footage leaked online showing the combative artist lying on the ground while being jabbed and stomped.
—
Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Some warnings have cited Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions meant to constrain any president, and a combative style that strives to stretch executive power as far as possible.
—Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Jota, in contrast, buzzed around with intent and unsettled Forest’s defence with his movement and combative edge.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Evening Report © Greg Nash Hegseth endures testy hearing; GOP defends from Dem anger
THE BATTLE over President-elect Trump‘s Cabinet nominees got off to a blistering start Tuesday, with Pete Hegseth enduring a combative public hearing in his quest to lead the Department of Defense.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for combative 
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Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Some warnings have cited Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions meant to constrain any president, and a combative style that strives to stretch executive power as far as possible.
—Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Jota, in contrast, buzzed around with intent and unsettled Forest’s defence with his movement and combative edge.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Evening Report © Greg Nash Hegseth endures testy hearing; GOP defends from Dem anger
THE BATTLE over President-elect Trump‘s Cabinet nominees got off to a blistering start Tuesday, with Pete Hegseth enduring a combative public hearing in his quest to lead the Department of Defense.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 14 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 22 Jan. 2025.
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