The word combat suggests a struggle, challenge or fight between two or more opposing forces. There are numerous synonyms to the word combat, such as battle, engage, confront, encounter, contend, fight, confront, or face off. The synonyms carry slightly different connotations with them. For instance, the term battle refers to a conflict between two armies or large groups of people, while confront has more of a confrontational tone and can refer to an argument or a physical altercation. Engage implies that two groups or individuals have become involved in a struggle intentionally, while contend suggests a prolonged or fiercely fought struggle. Ultimately, all these synonyms refer to some form of hostility and require effort and persistence to overcome.