Combative: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing someone who is ready and eager to fight or argue in a direct manner. It often carries a sense of active readiness for conflict.

• The combative player was always ready to challenge the referee's decisions

Used when describing someone or something that is forceful, determined, and potentially hostile. This can apply to both physical and verbal actions.

• The salesperson's aggressive tactics made the customers uncomfortable

Used when describing someone or something that is unfriendly or antagonistic. It is broad and can apply to mental, social, or physical hostility.

• There was a hostile atmosphere in the meeting due to opposing viewpoints

Often used to describe a person or group that is hostile and combative, frequently in a way that is rude or verbally aggressive.

• The customer became belligerent when his demands were not met

Appropriate for describing topics, issues, or persons prone to causing disputes or disagreements. It implies a tendency to provoke arguments.

• The contentious debate over policy changes lasted for hours

Best used to describe someone who demonstrates a warlike and aggressive temperament. Often used in literary or formal contexts.

• The leader's bellicose speech hinted at the possibility of future conflicts

Used to describe someone who is ready and eager to fight or argue aggressively.

• His combative nature made it difficult for him to work in a team.
• During the debate, her combative responses caught everyone off guard.

Describes someone who is eager to fight or argue, often having a combative and aggressive demeanor.

• The pugnacious boxer was known for his fierceness in the ring.
• Her pugnacious stance in the discussion ended up intimidating others.

Used for someone who tends to argue or start conflicts frequently, often creating discord.

• The quarrelsome neighbors were always at odds over trivial matters.
• He had a quarrelsome nature that made it hard to maintain friendships.

Applied to someone who frequently argues or likes to provoke debates, sometimes unnecessarily.

• She can be very argumentative, always challenging every statement made.
• His argumentative behavior led to frequent conflicts at the meeting.

Refers to someone who confronts others head-on and directly, often creating tension.

• His confrontational attitude made negotiations very challenging.
• In a confrontational mood, she demanded answers from her boss.

Applies to someone showing a disposition to fight or argue with others, often perceived as aggressively defiant and hostile.

• Her truculent attitude made it clear she wasn't happy with the decision.
• The truculent soldier was feared by both friends and foes.