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

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 1983, President Ronald Reagan authorized its use by civilian commercial airlines, paving the way for a range of civilian applications. — Adam Stone, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Sambom called on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to open international negotiations aimed at resolving the decades-long conflict in Papua, which separatists say has resulted in civilian deaths and mass displacement. — ABC News, 2 July 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

More to the point, the quarterly reports reflect the highest-quality, detailed information, the information the SEC requires executives to disclose on pain of facing a civil lawsuit from the agency or even criminal liability for faking data.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The two bombs went off across the street from the Four Seasons hotel, where Macron spent the night and had met civil society groups on Tuesday morning, according to Reuters.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2026

Definition of civil

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“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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