1
as in military
of, relating to, or suitable for war or a warrior
the marching band played "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and several other martial airs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naval
of or relating to the armed services
one of the basic tenets of martial law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of martial
In medieval Japan, sumo became more practical, as much a form of martial-arts training as a sport.
—
Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Who's the better martial artist?
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
The blaring, martial horn intro that marked Superman's arrival on the scene carries with it the entire edifice of American nostalgia.
—Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
The panels featured no scientists, doctors, or academic researchers but were replete with CEOs, bloggers, and right-wing celebrities like the UFC president and mixed-martial-arts expert Dana White.
—Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial
Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Who's the better martial artist?
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
The blaring, martial horn intro that marked Superman's arrival on the scene carries with it the entire edifice of American nostalgia.
—Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
The panels featured no scientists, doctors, or academic researchers but were replete with CEOs, bloggers, and right-wing celebrities like the UFC president and mixed-martial-arts expert Dana White.
—Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial
Adjective
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The other four are among a number of pro-Palestinian noncitizens targeted by federal immigration authorities last year, after protests against Israel’s military operation that devastated large parts of Gaza swept through the US.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
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The Natanz Nuclear Facility in Iran’s Isfahan province was targeted during joint military operations, said Reza Najafi, Iran’s Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That demonstration confirmed the drone could operate from naval platforms without traditional runways.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
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The United States destroyed a key Iranian naval base in the Straight of Hormuz, sinking many vessels present, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the shipping lane was officially closed.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Many of Atlanta’s latest restaurant openings are choosing to lean toward a fast-casual, counter-service format instead of the full-service style of dining out.—
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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His ode to Armenian cuisine is now open as a counter-service restaurant in Glendale.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Martial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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