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

The new missiles fly faster and use a thermal-tracking system to home in on any heat source, Majed al-Nazili, spokesperson for the Yemen’s armed forces, said. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

Facing China’s far larger military, which is adding advanced new weapons such as stealth-fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles, Taiwan is ramping up defense spending and modernising its armed forces. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2026

The role of president in Kosovo is largely ceremonial, though office holders do play an important role in foreign policy and serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Former political prisoner Sentsov has been serving in the Ukrainian armed forces since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, initially taking part in the defence of Kyiv and later fighting in the Donbas. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026