demilitarization 1 of 2

Definition of demilitarizationnext
as in disarmament
the reduction or elimination of a country's armed forces or weapons the demilitarization of some formerly warlike nations that occurred in the aftermath of World War II

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to disarm
to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war

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 demilitarization
Noun
The Palestinian militant group has sought to link any demilitarization to Israeli troop pullbacks. — Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 Who knew that an attempt to ruin Iran’s navy and army would result in the demilitarization of the West? — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Somebody has to then-- demilitarize Gaza. — CBS News, 10 May 2026 Then there is the intent to demilitarize Ukraine. — Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demilitarization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demilitarization
disarmament
Noun
  • The strikes occurred amid mounting tensions over the TPLF’s restoration of the regional political administration that preceded the 2020-2022 civil war, an incomplete disarmament of the group and renewed localized clashes.
    — Alemayehu Fentaw Weldemariam, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The plan included additional Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the arrival of an international peacekeeping force and a new apolitical Palestinian government to administer the territory's day-to-day affairs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demilitarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demilitarization. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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