adj
combative
KOM-buh-tihv
adj
1
Eager to fight or argue; aggressively confrontational.
"The senator grew combative when reporters questioned his record."
"Her combative tone made the negotiation harder than it needed to be."
How to Use Combative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuick to argue, challenge, or fight rather than cooperate.
Common pairings
combative attitude
grow combative
combative style
Word Forms
more combative comparative, most combative superlative
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The senator grew _____ when reporters questioned his record.
Etymology
From combat plus the adjective suffix -ive.