1
: a fight or contest between individuals or groups
2
3
: active fighting in a war : action
casualties suffered in combat
combated or combatted; combating or combatting
: to engage in combat : fight
1
: to fight with : battle
2
: to struggle against
especially
: to strive to reduce or eliminate
combat pollution
1
: relating to combat
combat missions
2
: designed or destined for combat
combat boots
combat troops
Synonyms
Examples of combat in a Sentence
Noun
Some of these soldiers have never seen combat.
He was killed in combat.
Verb
The drug helps combat infection.
She dedicated her life to combating poverty.
Exercise can help combat the effects of stress.
The mayor pledged to combat crime.
They have been combating the rebels for months.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dr. Fene Osakwe, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The star ingredients here are oil-absorbing clays (including kaolin and bentonite) and the brand’s signature grapeseed polyphenols, which provide free radical protection as well as combat sebum oxidation—the reason blackheads appear dark.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Researchers could face obstacles in tracking and combating climate change, leaving governments and businesses less prepared for its impacts and less able to help thwart climate change.
—Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
David Axe, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Establishing a strong personal brand allows women to increase their visibility, control their narrative, combat unconscious bias, and open doors to new career opportunities.
—William Arruda, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for combat 
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Noun
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has highlighted how various countries are shifting their focus from ground combat to cyber operations—seeking tactical plans, confidential information and intellectual property.
—Dr. Fene Osakwe, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The star ingredients here are oil-absorbing clays (including kaolin and bentonite) and the brand’s signature grapeseed polyphenols, which provide free radical protection as well as combat sebum oxidation—the reason blackheads appear dark.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
Her re-election sets Phoenix up to continue growing the burgeoning technology and health care industries, building sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change and expanding public transportation options.
—Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Researchers could face obstacles in tracking and combating climate change, leaving governments and businesses less prepared for its impacts and less able to help thwart climate change.
—Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Many of Ukraine’s older brigades have been in combat non-stop since the Russians invaded in February 2022.
—David Axe, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Establishing a strong personal brand allows women to increase their visibility, control their narrative, combat unconscious bias, and open doors to new career opportunities.
—William Arruda, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for combat
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Dictionary Entries Near combat
Cite this Entry
“Combat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combat. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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