as in to demilitarize
to release (someone or something) from military service
Both leaders agreed to demobilize their armies and sign the peace treaty. Ships returned to port to be demobilized.
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Recent Examples of demobilize
Analysts note that Syria’s security environment remains shaped by former jihadist networks that were never fully demobilized after the war.
—
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
In the 1970s, the Soviet Union enjoyed an advantageous shift in nuclear and conventional capabilities relative to the United States, which was demobilizing after the Vietnam War.
—Caleb Pomeroy, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2025
Israel wants Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia that took a beating during its war with Israel last fall, disarmed and demobilized.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
The state incident management team demobilized July 23, the county said.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demobilize
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
In the 1970s, the Soviet Union enjoyed an advantageous shift in nuclear and conventional capabilities relative to the United States, which was demobilizing after the Vietnam War.
—Caleb Pomeroy, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2025
Israel wants Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia that took a beating during its war with Israel last fall, disarmed and demobilized.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
The state incident management team demobilized July 23, the county said.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demobilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demobilize
Verb
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Then there is the intent to demilitarize Ukraine.—
Olivier Kempf,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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That phase includes limited border reopenings, efforts to demilitarize Gaza and discussions over postwar governance.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Speaking at a ruling party congress last month, Kim laid out his vision for more nuclear development, while urging the US to drop its longstanding demand that his country denuclearize before any dialogue can resume.—
Soo-hyang Choi,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Even if that were not the case, the major terror groups are radically reduced in effectiveness, their sponsor in Tehran is denuclearized and contained, more countries are signing or preparing to agree to peace, investment is flowing and Russia and China have fled the scene.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Both view the Lebanese government as still completely incapable of disarming Hezbollah, though both were shocked at the new assertiveness of Beirut as seen by Tuesday’s banishment of Iran’s ambassador.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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Israel accused Lebanon's government of failing to carry out its pledge to disarm Hezbollah, despite its unprecedented steps toward criminalizing the group.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demobilize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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