combat 1 of 2

combat

2 of 2

noun

1
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

2
3

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

Example 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
The surge suggests that efforts to combat obesity are falling short, leaving an entire generation vulnerable to long-term risks. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 Studies show that angling yourself upright during sleep can help combat a number of related issues—including sleep apnea, acid reflux, lower back pain, and snoring. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
Brown, whose father and grandfather were both combat veterans, has held multiple combat commands and logged 130 combat hours as a fighter pilot. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025 However, environmental groups continue to argue that litigation is necessary to hold energy producers accountable and combat climate change. Dan Eberhart, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
  • Since its establishment in 1992, The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised over $600 million to support more than 3,100 projects in 95 countries, working to increase healthcare access and fight LGBTQ+ stigma.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The trailer above, which dropped on Wednesday, introduces you to the new couples fighting to see if their love can withstand temptation and drama, but there’s a catch.
    Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Networks of Opposition Groups opposed to the mRNA technology have built a vast and well-funded legal, marketing, and social media network.
    Stephanie Armour | KFF Health News, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The resistance against compulsory hijab has even drawn in men, who not only refuse to align with the government’s policies but also oppose the repression of women protesters.
    Narges Mohammadi, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Herro started slow, finding himself with just two points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field midway through the second quarter.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The corn and sugarcane fields of Punjab and Haryana had given way, by the second day, to fields of millet and soybean and lines of orange trees.
    Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Musk’s latest statement marks yet another escalation in the ongoing skirmish.
    Dimitar 'Mix' Mihov, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • As per an incident report obtained by the Miami Herald, multiple guests eventually joined in the skirmish at Manor Complex entertainment complex in Wilton Manors in the early hours of Jan. 26.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As a digital balloting closed earlier Sunday, Carney received the overwhelming majority of the 150,000 members of the Liberal Party than any other contender in the short leadership battle.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Whoever challenges for the Democrat nomination will have half an eye on the national battle, where the economy, security and national pride are likely to outweigh liberal issues.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Hamas started the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that left 1,200 dead in Israel, mostly civilians, and took some 250 hostage.
    Samy Magdy and David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • But in light of ongoing attacks against PayPal accounts using emails sent from genuine PayPal addresses, how will this help protect you from hackers and scammers?
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Chicago Fire April 19: Columbus Crew May 10: Minnesota United May 14: San Jose Earthquakes May 24: Philadelphia Union The good news for out-of-Miami Messi fans is that – so far – there are no direct schedule clashes between the Argentina national team schedule and the Herons’ itinerary.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The sun’s clash with Jupiter encourages you to accept a promising career opportunity!
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are off the injury report for this game, giving themselves the green light for this rivalry game.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Even today, gangsta and drill rappers make headlines right here in Chicago when their music explodes into rivalries and retaliatory murders.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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