What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confrontational
Example
She had a confrontational attitude towards her boss during the meeting. [confrontational: adjective]
Example
He tends to become confrontational when he feels his beliefs are being challenged. [confrontational: adjective]
combative
Example
The two boxers were in a combative stance, ready to start the match. [combative: adjective]
Example
He has a combative personality and often gets into arguments with his coworkers. [combative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confrontational is more commonly used than combative in everyday language. Confrontational can be used in a variety of contexts, including professional and personal situations, while combative is more often used in the context of physical conflict or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confrontational and combative?
Both confrontational and combative are generally considered informal words. However, confrontational can be used in more formal contexts, such as business or legal settings, while combative is typically reserved for informal or sports-related contexts.
