combative

[kuhm-bat-iv, kom-buh-tiv, kuhm-]

adjective

1. ready or inclined to fight; pugnacious.

   He displayed a most unpleasant, combative attitude.

combative

/ ˈkɒmbətɪv, ˈkʌm- /

adjective

1. eager or ready to fight, argue, etc; aggressive

Other Word Forms

• combatively adverb
• combativeness noun
• combativity noun
• uncombative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combative¹

First recorded in 1825–35; combat + -ive

Example Sentences

A combative figure on social media, Rama has also previously invited Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to come to Albania to debate his claim one in 50 Albanians in Britain were in prison.

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She framed the split as a clash over priorities rather than personal animosity, asserting her independence while maintaining her loyal base of supporters who admire her combative style.

Read more on Salon

Williamson would send off combative messages, including social media posts or texts, often at night.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Justice Clarence Thomas seldom gets into extended or combative exchanges with lawyers arguing before the court; he tends to ask straightforward questions inviting advocates to elaborate on aspects of their arguments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Another factor that could refocus attention on the reserves is that the U.S. is taking a combative stance against major crude producers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• antagonistic 
• bellicose 
• belligerent 
• cantankerous 
• contentious 
• energetic 

When To Use

What does combative mean?

Combative means inclined to fight or prone to being argumentative.It’s especially used to describe someone who has become defensive and is disputing things in a belligerent way. It’s not commonly applied to someone who’s prone to starting physical fights.It can also be used to describe situations in which someone or multiple people are acting this way, such as a combative press conference or a combative meeting. The word combatant is commonly used as a noun meaning one of the sides engaged in a fight, but it can also be used as an adjective meaning the same thing as combative.Example: The senator became combative when faced with some tough questions during the town hall meeting.