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, an immigrant who had a hearing that day, were injured, Barnacle said. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 21 July 2026 In 2014, during his second term, President Barack Obama presented Streep with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Adjective

Milei has visited Israel three times since taking office in 2023, and earlier this year, in Jerusalem, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Honor, the country’s highest civilian award. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 Gunsan Airport is a joint military and civilian airport near Kunsan Air Base, which is home to the US Air Force’s 8th Fighter Wing. — Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 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 federal announcement also included criminal charges against two former Forney ISD educators and a civil settlement with the district over allegations that officials failed to properly report misconduct.

— Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
The jury had already ruled in March that Meta should be forced to pay $375 million in civil penalties for violating New Mexico's unfair practices act.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of civil

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“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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