martial

adjective

ˈmär-shəl How to pronounce martial (audio)
Definition of martialnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naval
of or relating to the armed services one of the basic tenets of martial law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of martial 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 Colston, the famous underdog receiver of the New Orleans Saints, and former mixed martial artist Nick Edwards have launched the Champion Fund, an investment fund built so that anyone—not just the Mark Cubans of the world—can buy into sports for as little as $500. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 20 June 2026 Harrison was slated to fight the returning Amanda Nunes — considered by many to be the greatest women’s mixed martial artist ever — in January before the injury. — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for martial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial
  1. military
  2. naval
  3. service
Adjective
  • This weekend’s apparent pause in military action against Iran may hint at US moves to ease tensions in the Middle East, a former US national security adviser told CNN.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Ukrainian officials say the addition of more defenses will remain a priority well into the future because Belarus is Russia's closest military ally.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of military
Adjective
  • The Houthis have declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia over the past week, and Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said all Saudi oil ​facilities could be targets.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 26 July 2026
  • The United States earlier this month resumed a naval blockade of Iranian ports, eliminating another one of the components agreed to in preliminary peace plan reached in June.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Definition of naval
Adjective
  • Imperiale said the Endowment remains focused specifically on Veteran employment and that its storytelling emphasizes post-service careers, leadership and community contribution rather than military recruitment.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Centro Cocina Mexicana, Terminal A This counter-service version of Centro Cocina Mexicana serves classic Mexican dishes, plus an all-day breakfast menu.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of service

Phrases Containing martial

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marten
martial
martial law
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Cite this Entry

“Martial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on martial

Nglish: Translation of martial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about martial

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