combatively
In fighting fashion
In a manner that is eager to fight or argue.
Someone who responds combatively is ready for confrontation: She combatively defended her position against critics.
The word suggests aggression that may be either justified or excessive depending on context.
Inclined toward hostile encounters
- forcefullyWith strong intensity
- pugnaciouslyIn a quarrelsome manner
- belligerentlyIn a combative way
- fiercelyWith intense aggression
assertively · offensively · militantly · truculent · feisty · contentiously · quarrelsome · bellicose
In argumentative fashion
- polemicallyIn a disputatious manner
- contradictorilyIn self-opposing fashion
- challenginglyIn a provoking manner
- contrarilyIn obstinate opposition
debating · rebutting · dissenting · objecting · protesting · disagreeing · refuting · countering
With protective caution
- protectivelyIn a safeguarding way
- resistantlyIn an opposing manner
- reactivelyIn response to stimulus
- warilyWith watchful caution
vigilantly · parrying · deflecting · countering · shielding · fortifying · entrenched · bristling
confrontational
Inclined toward hostile encounters
- forcefullyWith strong intensity
- pugnaciouslyIn a quarrelsome manner
- belligerentlyIn a combative way
fiercely · assertively · offensively · militantly · truculent · feisty · contentiously · quarrelsome · bellicose · irascible
contentiously
In argumentative fashion
- polemicallyIn a disputatious manner
- contradictorilyIn self-opposing fashion
- challenginglyIn a provoking manner
contrarily · debating · rebutting · dissenting · objecting · protesting · disagreeing · refuting · countering · disputing
guardedly
With protective caution
- protectivelyIn a safeguarding way
- resistantlyIn an opposing manner
- reactivelyIn response to stimulus
warily · vigilantly · parrying · deflecting · countering · shielding · fortifying · entrenched · bristling · pushback
combativelypeacefully
In tranquil fashion
amicably · peaceably · agreeably · cooperatively · harmoniously