Synonyms of armed forces

armed forces

plural noun

as in troops

the combined army, air force, and navy of a nation

our nation's armed forces are stationed throughout the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

• troops
• soldiers
• military
• service
• colors
• rank and file
• force
• servicemen
• militia
• defense
• soldiery
• reserves
• armor
• servicewomen
• men-at-arms
• GIs
• gendarmerie

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• civilians
• noncombatants

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of armed forces

Critics say Mullin’s policy is aimed at intimidating voters, will upend longstanding American norms, and violate a law keeping armed forces out of polling places that dates back to the end of the Civil War. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

In a statement Friday, the Houthi armed forces boasted of gains along the coast without mentioning the island, Mokha or the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. — Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Jordanian air defense systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles and two missiles fell in unpopulated areas, the spokesperson for the Jordanian armed forces said Tuesday, according to Jordanian state media. — Gordon Lubold, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

Due to the scale of the Russian attack, military aircraft were put in the air by neighboring Poland to protect its airspace, the Reuters news agency reported, citing the country’s armed forces. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026