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
As a result, many parts of the California coastline have already initiated prevention methods to combat rising sea levels. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 Long before that, his son worked hard to be a servant leader, combatting a silver-spoon stigma by working as a ballboy, among other unglamorous jobs. Michael Silver, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
The military said the soldiers, all in their early 20s, died during combat on Monday, without providing details. Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025 During a conversation with soldiers on a water break from combat training, William brought up the topic of family in a moment that some royal watchers saw as pointed. Janine Henni, People.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for combat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combat
Verb
  • Holland has been one of the more active UFC competitors since losing that contest by decision, fighting at middleweight and welterweight.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Then, in February, the Trump administration announced an end of free COVID testing, a mainstay program in fighting the pandemic.
    Bruce Yandle, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • The legislation, Senate Bill 8, passed on a largely party-line vote of 87 to 59, with 13 Democrats opposed and one Republican, Rep. Tom Delnicki of South Windsor, in favor.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
  • Some medical practitioners also opposed the measure.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Even more impressive was in relation to the rest of the Memorial field.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • As of mid-May, his operation had mushroomed to include over 20,000 mostly young volunteers, a bigger field team than any of the other 2025 mayoral campaigns bolster.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Nuñez warned that more skirmishes could occur on Sunday as PSG will parade on the Champs-Élysées before celebrating the title with their fans at the Parc des Princes stadium.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of land disputes, though Thailand said after the short skirmish that the situation had been resolved.
    DAVID RISING, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Fires and recovery Crews battle fire burning in Pala, evacuations underway in northern San Diego County.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Recently, a German court quietly ended a landmark legal battle that had spanned nearly a decade.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Try supplements: Certain supplements, such as Riboflavin and CoQ10, can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump has reinstated and expanded a travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns following a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Boys lacrosse In a wild Div. 4 round of 16 clash, host Littleton received a goal from Zach Milner with five seconds remaining to list the Tigers to a thrilling 13-12 victory over host Lynnfield.
    Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 6 June 2025
  • This clash has had tangible repercussions: Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop, erasing over $150 billion in market value, while Trump Media saw a decline of approximately $500 million.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • How can the club improve its image around the world, where international fans are less concerned with local rivalries?
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • This is also a historic rivalry, so that's why so many people are tuning in.
    Ryan Stano, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combat. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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