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

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 The leaders called for Israeli and Lebanese officials to negotiate a solution to end the violence, and condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. —

CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The war has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have pounded military and civilian infrastructure. —

Arkansas Online, 16 Apr. 2026 This is the latest of multiple dual-use technologies for cutting undersea cables developed by Chinese military and civilian organizations over the years. —

Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian

Noun

The government accused the Druze of resisting its rule and, in combination with tens of thousands of Bedouin tribal fighters, attacked Druze villages, killing hundreds of people, including many noncombatants.

— Steven N. Simon, Foreign Affairs, 10 Sep. 2025
His cases there included the successful prosecution — in a 25-month trial — of a Croatian general who ordered the slaughter of Muslim noncombatants.

— Dan Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025