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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishQuick to argue, challenge, or fight rather than cooperate.
Common pairings
combative attitude
grow combative
combative style
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more combative
- Superlative
- most combative
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The senator grew _____ when reporters questioned his record.
Etymology
From combat plus the adjective suffix -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for combative
See all rhymes for combative →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.
