Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

combative

[kuhm-bat-iv, kom-buh-tiv, kuhm-] / kəmˈbæt ɪv, ˈkɒm bə tɪv, ˈkʌm- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Combative White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Friday she will be going on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child but did not name a stand-in.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

The top art biography for me this year was “Irascible: The Combative Life of Douglas Cooper, Collector and Friend of Picasso,” by Adrian Clark and Richard Calvocoressi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Combative and blunt, Mr. Welch became the chief executive of General Electric in 1981, a few months after Ronald Reagan took office as president.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2020

Combative and unapologetic, Pruitt spoke with the rapid-fire delivery of a trial lawyer when outlining his policy positions or addressing audiences.

From Washington Post • Jul. 5, 2018

Combative effort was grown impossible to him, as in time it will grow to you all.

From At a Winter's Fire by Capes, Bernard Edward Joseph




Vocabulary lists containing combative