martial

adjective

mar·tial | \ ˈmär-shəl

Definition of martial

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior martial music a martial tone of voice— Tim Appelo martial prowess

2 : relating to an army or to military life martial discipline stories of martial tradition— Ewen Macaskill

3 : experienced in or inclined to war : warlike its martial people fought the British to a standstill— Mary Anne Weaver

Martial

biographical name

Mar·tial | \ ˈmär-shəl

Definition of Martial (Entry 2 of 2)

circa a.d. 40–circa 103 Marcus Valerius Martialis Roman epigrammatist

Other Words from martial Synonyms & Antonyms Martial and Roman Mythology More Example Sentences Learn More about martial

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Synonyms & Antonyms for martial

Synonyms: Adjective

military, soldierly

Antonyms: Adjective

unsoldierly

Examples of martial in a Sentence

Adjective

the marching band played “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and several other martial airs one of the basic tenets of martial law

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

But not every answer to U.S. martial superiority relies on high-tech know-how. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need to Know About the South China Sea, the World's Next Hot Spot," 27 Feb. 2019 Despite the secrecy surrounding their martial status, a wedding ceremony is still planned. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin Reportedly Got Matching Tattoos," 2 Jan. 2019 After seven years of grueling training in a variety of martial arts, from Muay Thai to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mr. Rosenblatt—now in his 40s—bravely signs on for an official mixed-martial-arts bout. — Gordon Marino, WSJ, "‘Why We Fight’ Review: Punch-Drunk Love," 10 Jan. 2019 There’s an unmistakable pleasure in seeing Grey go in for the kill, and not just because of his pinpoint-precise martial-arts moves and creative use of kitchen crockery. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "'Upgrade' is a sleek, strikingly designed A.I. vigilante thriller," 31 May 2018 He was busted down a rank at court-martial May 24, restricted for 60 days and fined two-thirds of a month’s pay. — Jasmine Khayami And Elizabeth Strassner, USA TODAY, "Collisions reveal a Navy tragically undone by its can-do spirit," 25 June 2018 As the court-martial convening authority, the general could not have imposed a harsher sentence but did have the option of reducing the punishment. — Anchorage Daily News, "Fort Bragg general approves sentence for Bowe Bergdahl," 6 June 2018 The court-martial trial of three SEALs accused of committing war crimes began with a flurry of motions Monday morning inside the courtroom of Naval Base San Diego. — Carl Prine, sandiegouniontribune.com, "War crimes court-martial starts for SEALs; Navy's top attorney accused of unlawful command influence," 9 Apr. 2018 The preliminary hearing officer will recommend the level of court-martial Begay will face in Barclay-Weberpal's death. — Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Man accused of murdering Marine from Wisconsin appears in court," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'martial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.