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

Related Words

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

The Saginaw Police Department said in its initial public report of the shooting that the condition of the civilian was unknown. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 The firefighter and civilian were treated at the scene and released. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The country’s State Emergency Service also said a series of attacks on the Sumy region hit civilian infrastructure and residential areas. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 In parallel, the European Union Foreign Ministers approved a new civilian-military mission aimed at advising and training the Lebanese military and police personnel. — Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 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

Manish Kumar, a professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering and chemical engineering at UT Austin, said the goal is to simplify the recovery of lithium from complex mixtures.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Part of the reform focused on eliminating misdemeanor criminal penalties, arrests and jail time for unlicensed mobile food vendors and replacing them with civil violations and fines.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of civil

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Style

“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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