CIVILIAN Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

civilian 1 of 2

noun

Definition of civilian next

as in noncombatant

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noncombatant

Dissimilar Words

civilian

2 of 2

adjective

as in civil

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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

After the security guard reported the interaction with Williams, Burnette, three other officers and a civilian participating in a ride-along arrived at the gas station just after midnight. —

Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026 Attacks are intensifying across the region, including strikes on Gulf civilian and energy infrastructure, and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to almost all traffic. —

Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The Department of the Navy — which oversees naval forces and the Marine Corps — is losing its top civilian official while the Navy plays a key role in the war with Iran. —

CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 No reason was given for the unexpected departure of the Navy’s top civilian official, coming as the sea service has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports and is targeting ships linked to Tehran around the world during a tenuous ceasefire in the war. —

ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian

Noun

The charges follow a military report released in 2020 that found evidence that elite Australian SAS and commando regiment troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and other noncombatants.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Both sides have launched multiple strikes against each other from Lebanon, and noncombatants have been killed as a result.

— Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026