combative

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.

That heritage gave both him and the backcountry settlers he epitomized their combative sense of equality and dignity—rooted in the history of British impositions on their ancestral lands in Ulster.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

That battle of wills set the tone for a surprisingly combative hearing, which also featured some wry probing of a mysterious secret mission Mullin supposedly went on a decade ago.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

Islas, who said he has been diagnosed with autism, maintained he wasn’t doing anything combative that night.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

The race has become a test of strategy: Crockett argues her combative style will energize turnout, while Talarico presents himself as a bridge to moderates and disaffected Republicans.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Because they were not hurt or insulted, they were not defensive or combative.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck