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

Advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, infrastructure, and communications no longer sort cleanly into civilian or military applications, Hatley said. — Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026 The film, built around interviews with 24 anonymous Israeli intelligence and military officers and soldiers, alleges the Israel Defense Forces set acceptable numbers of civilian deaths in Gaza in pursuit of Hamas targets. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 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

Businesses that fail to carry required workers’ comp coverage can face civil fines of up to twice the annual premium, with a $25,000 minimum, along with the possibility of a business shutdown order.

— Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Both raised concerns about the 2024 version, telling state lawmakers that the universities could face criminal penalties, civil fines or the loss of federal contracts.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of civil

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“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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