combative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "combative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is aggressively argumentative or quarrelsome. For example: The chairman is a very combative person who is always looking for a fight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He did not appear detached but self-confident and combative.

The Guardian

But once the hacking scandal forced Coulson out, Cummings was in, bringing – many say – the combative side of Gove to the fore.

The Guardian

In backing Hoey, Mills voiced fears about the dangers of a campaign dominated by the Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, and the need for a less combative figure.

The Guardian

Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute of Public Affairs, an independent thinktank in Warsaw, said Poland's relations with other European powers would now depend on whether Duda sticks to the relatively moderate agenda he campaigned on or embraces his party leader's more combative foreign policy stance.

The Guardian

Social media tools have encouraged far right activists to become far more combative and – persistently – attempt to insult individuals and discredit their research.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her decision to work as legal adviser to Bahrain's king, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, who has been blamed by rights groups for systematic torture and repression, raised eyebrows, but sources at her chambers in Doughty Street, London, say she is a tough, combative lawyer with experience gained as a prosecutor on the UN's Lebanon war crimes tribunal.

The Guardian

Sheldon Adelson, the multibillionaire casino magnate and key Republican party donor, spent four combative days in a Las Vegas court this week defending his gambling empire from accusations of bribery and ties to organised crime.

The Guardian

Both strikers have succumbed to injuries early on, leaving the combative Éder as his sole option.

The Guardian - Sport

here's a highlight: Biden was so combative that at times he appeared thuggish.

The Guardian

Now I can see how combative she can be when necessary.

The Guardian

An interview with the combative Jon Stewart would mark another spike in the SNP leader's burgeoning international profile, as she becomes the most senior serving UK politician to appear on Comedy Central's hugely popular satirical news programme.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "combative" when you want to describe someone who is ready and eager to argue or fight. It accurately conveys a sense of aggressive engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "combative" when a more neutral term like "assertive" or "determined" would be more appropriate. "Combative" carries a strong connotation of aggression, which may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "combative" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, characterizing a noun (usually a person or their behavior) as being inclined to fight or argue. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig highlight its use in describing people's styles or approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "combative" describes someone inclined to fight or argue. Ludwig AI confirms that "combative" is correct and usable in written English, noting that it is used to describe individuals who are aggressively argumentative or quarrelsome. With a "Very common" frequency and primary usage in "News & Media", it serves to highlight confrontational behaviors. When you want to highlight someone's aggressiveness you can use it, but should not be used in neutral contexts in which you want to say that somebody is just determined. Alternatives like "pugnacious" or "belligerent" offer nuanced choices based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pugnacious

Emphasizes a readiness and eagerness to fight or argue.

belligerent

Suggests a hostile and aggressive attitude, often in a war-like manner.

antagonistic

Highlights a feeling of opposition and active hostility.

contentious

Describes a tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

argumentative

Focuses on a person's inclination to argue.

quarrelsome

Indicates a disposition to engage in quarrels and petty arguments.

abrasive

Highlights a rough and irritating quality in someone's manner.

truculent

Implies a fierce and bad-tempered readiness to argue or fight.

defiant

Emphasizes resistance and a refusal to obey or comply.

aggressive

Indicates a forceful and assertive approach, sometimes to the point of hostility.

FAQs

How is "combative" used in a sentence?

You can use "combative" to describe someone's behavior or attitude, such as "He adopted a "combative" stance during the debate" or "She has a "combative" personality".

What are some synonyms for "combative"?

Alternatives to "combative" include "pugnacious", "belligerent", and "antagonistic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "combative"?

"Combative" is appropriate when describing someone who is aggressively argumentative or shows a strong willingness to fight. It's suitable when you want to emphasize their confrontational nature.

Is "combative" a formal or informal term?

"Combative" is neither strictly formal nor informal. It can be used in various contexts, including news reports, professional analyses, and even some informal discussions, but be mindful of the negative connotation it carries.