civilian 1 of 2

noun

Definition of civiliannext
as in noncombatant

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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
Read All About It A police officer, a civilian and a gunman are dead after a shooting in Montreal. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 23 June 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
In it, civilian Jordan Salinas is standing planted in a shooting stance, leveling a sidearm at Williams and pulling the trigger. — Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026 Global maritime organizations have made civilian vessel self-defense a regulatory nightmare. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian
  1. noncombatant
  2. civil
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
  • According to a city news release, the agreement would resolve all civil claims tied to Jefferson's death and provide her family a measure of accountability.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The company has said Swarm's manufacturing approach extends well beyond a single platform, giving it the foundation to develop additional aircraft for defense, civil, and commercial customers.
    — John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of civil

Browse Nearby Words

civil disobedience
civilian
civilians
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Cite this Entry

“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on civilian

Nglish: Translation of civilian for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about civilian

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