Synonyms of martial

martial

adjective

ˈmär-shəl 

1

as in military

of, relating to, or suitable for war or a warrior

the marching band played "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and several other martial airs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• military
• soldierly
• guerrilla
• aggressive
• warlike
• militant
• combative
• militaristic
• warring
• mercenary
• bellicose
• militarist
• pugnacious
• contentious
• belligerent
• gladiatorial
• quarrelsome
• antagonistic
• truculent
• scrappy
• argumentative
• fierce
• hot-tempered

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• civil
• civilian
• nonmilitary
• nonviolent
• peaceful
• unsoldierly
• peaceable
• pacific
• conciliatory
• benevolent
• amiable
• friendly
• gracious
• cordial
• easygoing
• amicable
• good-natured
• genial
• affable
• complaisant
• ingratiating
• obliging

2

as in naval

of or relating to the armed services

one of the basic tenets of martial law

Synonyms & Similar Words

• military
• naval
• service
• paramilitary
• mercenary
• militant
• warlike
• militaristic
• soldierly
• gladiatorial
• militarist
• regular
• enlisted
• GI

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• civil
• civilian
• nonmilitary

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of martial

The first sequence plays out with breathtaking suspense, the second with wrenching tragedy; the difference is calibrated by the composer Ludwig Göransson, whose score pulses with mournful dissonance and martial fury. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Tyler married former Olympic martial artist Robert Sullivan in 1973. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Vanja Moves, a former elite tennis player and martial artist with a black belt in Taekwondo, experienced this structural failure firsthand. — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

In addition to acting, Strong is also a musician and accomplished martial artist, according to his website. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Phrases Containing martial

• martial law