militancy

noun

mil·​i·​tan·​cy ˈmi-lə-tən(t)-sē 

: the quality or state of being militant

Synonyms of militancy

• aggression
• aggressiveness
• hostility
• militance

Examples of militancy in a Sentence

the militancy of the radical organization gave the authorities cause for concern

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest operation came just over a week after Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti ruled out negotiations with insurgents and said security operations would continue until militancy was eliminated from the province. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

The Arab Spring, more than any military victory, signaled the decline of militancy. — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Israel’s military operates in all parts of the territory, and Palestinians suspected of militancy can be held without charge for months or years under what’s known as administrative detention. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

According to witnesses, shortly before the attack, speakers at the rally said that ensuring security and eliminating militancy were the state’s responsibility. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

militancy

noun

mil·​i·​tan·​cy ˈmil-ə-tən-sē 

: the quality or state of being militant