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

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 Dagher also could not confirm who killed the civilian. — CBS News, 22 June 2026

Adjective

The plan calls for a surge in humanitarian aid, governance by a civilian Palestinian administration, the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the deployment of an international force to help maintain security. — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego, serves as the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and is home to more than 15,000 Marines, sailors and civilian personnel. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 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

Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, of Lincoln Heights pleaded guilty in late April to one count of obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement officers during civil disorder, the Department of Justice said in a news release.

— Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Unlike traditional diplomacy, conducted by states and official representatives, civil humanitarian diplomacy can create complementary spaces for dialogue and cooperation through civil society and other non-state actors.

— Ricardo Bellino, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of civil

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Style

“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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