adj

combative

KOM-buh-tihv

Combative (adj) means Eager to fight or argue; aggressively confrontational. Example: “The senator grew combative when reporters questioned his record.”

adj

Eager to fight or argue; aggressively confrontational.

"The senator grew combative when reporters questioned his record."

"Her combative tone made the negotiation harder than it needed to be."

How to use combative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishQuick to argue, challenge, or fight rather than cooperate.

Common pairings

combative attitude grow combative combative style

Word forms

more combative comparative, most combative superlative

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The senator grew _____ when reporters questioned his record.

Etymology

From combat plus the adjective suffix -ive.

Antonyms

calm conflict-free dovish nonaggressive nonbellicose nonbelligerent noncombative nonmartial

Related words

still peace patient afraid angry collected calm upset

Rhymes for combative

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “combative” mean?

The word “combative” means eager to fight or argue; aggressively confrontational. In plain terms, quick to argue, challenge, or fight rather than cooperate.

How do you pronounce “combative”?

“Combative” is pronounced KOM-buh-tihv (/kəmˈbæ.tɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “combative” in a sentence?

Here is “combative” used in a sentence: “The senator grew combative when reporters questioned his record.”

What is the opposite of “combative”?

The opposite of “combative” — its antonyms — are calm, conflict-free, dovish, nonaggressive and nonbellicose.

What part of speech is “combative”?

“Combative” is an adjective.

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