CIVILIAN Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

civilian 1 of 2

noun

Definition of civilian

as in noncombatant

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noncombatant

Dissimilar Words

civilian

2 of 2

adjective

as in civil

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Dissimilar Words

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 civilian

Noun

Two government employees and one civilian suffered minor injuries, according to the FBI. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 Two government employees and one civilian, an immigrant who had a hearing that day, were injured, Barnacle said. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Adjective

Far more difficult is reconciling maritime safety rules, US civilian nuclear regulations, and UK standards, . — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 Trump named Adam Telle, a civilian Army Corps of Engineers leader, as acting Army secretary following Dan Driscoll’s departure amid reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian

Noun

He wouldn’t be permitted to remain a noncombatant for very long.

— Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026
Without going into detail, both treat war as the option of last resort, both try to limit reckless destruction of life and property and both try to minimize injury to noncombatants.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Definition of noncombatant

Adjective

The organization will help traditionally Democratic groups like labor and civil society craft AI policy messages, Bores said.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty said on Tuesday he was concerned by the arrests, raids and online restrictions targeting LGBTQ+ civil society and human rights defenders.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of civil

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“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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