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

Armani showed his combative side to the press at an early point in his career.

From Los Angeles Times

Proposition 50, the redistricting measure that California voters will see on their ballot Nov. 4, is in the same combative vein, Newsom said.

From Los Angeles Times

Root had managed a high score of 27 in his five preceding innings this season, with three single-figure scores, but opened the Rockets innings in combative mood.

From BBC

In this episode, Amanda unpacks her combative style with reporters, including scolding the press and calling their questions “stupid.”

From Salon

Nicola Sturgeon says she may have appeared to be a confident and combative leader but underneath she is a "painfully shy" introvert who has "always struggled to believe in herself."

From BBC

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.