combat 1 of 2

combat

2 of 2

noun

1
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war a soldier who served throughout the war without actually seeing combat

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb combat differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combat are oppose, resist, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to combat?

In some situations, the words oppose and combat are roughly equivalent. However, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When can resist be used instead of combat?

The words resist and combat can be used in similar contexts, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

In what contexts can withstand take the place of combat?

The words withstand and combat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of combat
Verb
Choi likes to be prepared to combat hunger cravings on busy days. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025 There's little research, however, supporting the use of supplements to combat allergies. Sarah Cottone, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
The system includes a clarifying shampoo, keratin treatment, and nourishing hair mask, each infused with hydrolyzed keratin and antioxidant-rich açaí and cacao to restore hydration, combat oxidative stress, and unveil a noticeably smoother, more manageable texture. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 And that seemed to me a thing that was often missing from cinematic representations of combat. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
  • An affidavit reviewed by USA TODAY indicates Balmer and his spouse were fighting during the January 2023 incident when Penbrook Police responded.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • As the war lurched into its fourth year, Russian losses of tanks, fighting vehicles and other heavy equipment had exceeded 20,000, according to the analysts at the Oryx intelligence collective, which confirms each loss with imagery from the front line.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Based on pre- and post-debate data collected from the audience, Sey's stance on opposing trans athletes in women's sports appeared to be the winning argument.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Elon Musk, Trump’s top campaign donor and White House cost-cutting chief, is opposing Trump’s tariffs increasingly more openly.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The trees border pastures and fields of corn and beans.
    Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There are 95 players in the field, the largest in a decade, even without five-time champion Tiger Woods, who had surgery in March to repair a torn Achilles tendon.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However the trade saga develops from here, the first skirmishes in a trade war, a dreaded relic of the Great Depression, have begun in the 21st century.
    Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • After all, listening is a great tool for influencing people, navigating conflict, and soothing relationship skirmishes.
    Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Rather, Awuah-Darko wants his story to reach people, whether through Instagram or this article, who feel alone in their battles, even if that comes with backlash.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Orlando, dies after long battle with cancer Patrick Kahn, founder of Snap! Orlando, dies after long battle with cancer Defending elections integrity cost Alan Hays some friendships.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In March, two days of U.S. attacks killed more than 50 people, Houthi officials said.
    USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Three decades later, the documentary Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terror looks back on that day, featuring interviews with law enforcement involved in the case and victims of the attack.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What has endured and evolved, however, is a fierce rivalry in an event that is now huge business, watched by up to 250,000 in person, millions more on television (the races are being screened live on BBC One) and sponsored by French luxury brand Chanel, no less.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • While known for his exceptional mic skills, Punk also consistently delivered in-ring performances, with his rivalry against John Cena and Rey Mysterio producing some of his most iconic bouts.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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