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militant

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective militant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of militant are aggressive, assertive, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

When would aggressive be a good substitute for militant?

The synonyms aggressive and militant are sometimes interchangeable, but aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

In what contexts can assertive take the place of militant?

In some situations, the words assertive and militant are roughly equivalent. However, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use self-assertive instead of militant?

The words self-assertive and militant can be used in similar contexts, but self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

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 militant
Adjective
The militant Islamic terrorist government of Iran, which has been waging terror and war on the United States for more than forty years, has killed close to as many Americans as the Japanese did during their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, which led to war with Japan. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025 Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss. USA Today, 4 July 2025 To some students, Woodruff's teaching style is less militant and more maternal. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Some reports estimate that tens of thousands of moderate Muslims also have been killed by extremists in Nigeria, reflecting the broader toll of militant violence. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
  • But the Cubs and Yankees will likely be much more aggressive in pursuing him than the Brewers will.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Cross-examination of the victims’ two surviving roommates will likely be aggressive, especially of Dylan Mortensen.
    Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Encoded in the machine's engineering was an ambitious globalism.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 5 July 2025
  • Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • As for the loyal opposition, Democrats are in bad odor with voters and even many of their own partisans after Joe Biden’s handlers gaslighted the public on the frailty and declining faculties of the octogenarian president.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • In Italy this became essential reading about the experiences of Jewish partisans during the war.
    Suzanne Cope July 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Guzman’s book was used as a common reader by several universities in 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about the often hostile, partisan gaps that have roiled many campuses in recent years.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In the five years since the events of Jurassic World Dominion, many of the dinosaurs and other formerly extinct creatures that were set free into the world have died off, unable to survive in the modern climate and otherwise hostile environments.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • With so many players in the game, the competition is simultaneously fierce and toothless.
    Todd Fisher, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The 33-year-old state assemblyman has ensnared a wide net of seasoned billionaires and enthusiastic young activists, presented as a regular New Yorker who lived in Africa as a child.
    Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • An activist group called No Stage for Abusers also urged Brighton Centre and the city council to cancel the show through an online campaign.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Anti-pornography crusaders are on a winning streak.
    Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 22 June 2025
  • Created in the 12th century by the Knights of St. John, the celebrated Krak is considered the epitome of a crusader castle in the Middle East and one of the greatest statements of medieval military architecture.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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