Antonyms for combative


Grammar : Adj
Spell : kuh m-bat-iv, kom-buh-tiv, kuhm-
Phonetic Transcription : kəmˈbæt ɪv, ˈkɒm bə tɪv, ˈkʌm-


Definition of combative

Origin :
  • 1819, from combat + -ive. In 1820s-30s, much associated with phrenology. Related: Combatively; combativeness (1815).
  • adj aggressive
Example sentences :
  • Mrs. Tidditt, diminutive but combative, offered a suggestion.
  • Extract from : « Fair Harbor » by Joseph Crosby Lincoln
  • “And another reason why I like you is because you are combative,” he said thoughtfully.
  • Extract from : « Adam Johnstone's Son » by F. Marion Crawford
  • Something in his tone roused a combative instinct in his companion.
  • Extract from : « Marriage la mode » by Mrs. Humphry Ward
  • They made many mistakes; they were combative, often difficult to deal with.
  • Extract from : « Victorian Worthies » by George Henry Blore
  • For Mr. Adams was by nature not only independent, but resentful and combative.
  • Extract from : « John Quincy Adams » by John. T. Morse
  • I do not know my own mood, it is so clear, so sharp, so combative.
  • Extract from : « Robert Elsmere » by Mrs. Humphry Ward
  • Small as he is, he disturbs me by that combative stare of his.
  • Extract from : « The Prairie Mother » by Arthur Stringer
  • Messrs. Biggs and Thatcher were really distressed and combative.
  • Extract from : « The Story of a Mine » by Bret Harte
  • They had the courage, grit and combative qualities of the lion.
  • Extract from : « In the Flash Ranging Service » by Edward Alva Trueblood
  • But the affair had aroused a combative spirit amongst the men of the assembly.
  • Extract from : « The Octopus » by Frank Norris

Synonyms for combative

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019