conscripts 1 of 2

Definition of conscriptsnext
plural of conscript
as in recruits
a person forced or required to enroll in military service as the war continued, the body of enlisted soldiers was supplemented by an increasing number of conscripts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

conscripts

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of conscript
as in drafts
to pick especially for required military service was conscripted into the army shortly after turning 18

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 conscripts
Noun
Joining doesn’t come without complications for a country that effectively cannot order its conscripts to fight overseas. Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026 Anthropocene framing conscripts the work into contemporary climate discourse, rendering its specific engagement with Kazakh nomadic destruction merely illustrative of broader ecological crisis. Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 And the erotic aspects of the ass, too, could swell their ranks with new conscripts, new stories, new vibrations and vulnerabilities. Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 In fact, in many cases, Russian forces appear to be using conscripts as live test subjects for experimental systems such as this new suit. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026 Rehabs throughout South Africa are full of white ex-conscripts. Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026 In recent years, the number of military personnel has hovered just above 180,000—compared with 300,000 people in 2001, more than a third of whom were conscripts. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 But October 7, which resulted in thousands of casualties and extended service for conscripts and reservists, changed perceptions. Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025 The 1986 film also included accounts by former conscripts who had been forced to participate in the Russian occupation of Afghanistan, making clear the hopelessness and brutality of the war, starkly contrasting with the Kremlin’s version of a war of progress and purpose. Will Tizard, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscripts
Noun
  • The Huskies’ have addressed key areas of need in signing Hines and Khamenia and are bringing in a pair of freshmen who can impact the rotation in Junior County and Colben Landrew, both four-star recruits ranked in the top-50 of their class.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Last week, the Division I cabinet approved additional changes to prospective athlete eligibility rules, which included allowing recruits to sign with professional sports agents prior to college enrollment.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One agent drafts the itinerary, another compares Orlando to the Keys, and a third pulls up kid-friendly activities, all at the same time.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The big question is whether Miami drafts a quarterback in the first three rounds.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Should five of these eight hear their names called on top of the five locks, UM would have double-digit draftees for the first time since 2002 when 11 Hurricanes players were selected.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Sullivan acknowledges the top draftees have major expectations, and perhaps a slight advantage in that sense.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conscripts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscripts. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on conscripts

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster