militant

1 of 2

adjective

mil·​i·​tant ˈmi-lə-tənt 

1

: engaged in warfare or combat : fighting

2

: aggressively active (as in a cause) : combative

militant conservationists

a militant attitude

militant noun

militantly adverb

militantness noun

militantness

2 of 2

noun

mil·​i·​tant·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being militant

Synonyms of militant

Adjective

• aggressive
• hostile

Choose the Right Synonym for militant

aggressive, militant, assertive, self-assertive mean obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals.

aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

Examples of militant in a Sentence

Adjective

an angry and militant speech

political radicals with a militant unwillingness to compromise on any issue

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are concerns that the Houthis' advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could have significant ramifications for energy markets and global trade, particularly if the militant group ratchets up threats or attacks on Red Sea shipping. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in 2003, accused of developing and directing the 9/11 attacks, as a leader of the Islamic militant group Al Qaeda. — Larry Neumeister, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The militant group is now likely to be even more maximalist in its demands and in its ambitions to assert control across the Red Sea. — April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026

The song arrives alongside a new militant and monochromatic music video. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

militant

adjective

mil·​i·​tant ˈmil-ə-tənt 

1

: being at war

2

: aggressively active especially in a cause

militant protesters

militant noun

militantly adverb

militantness noun