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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 region has been on edge for the past two years as Israel seeks to annihilate the Hamas militant group, an Iranian ally, in the Gaza Strip, where war still rages after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 Izadi had been sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K. over his ties to the Palestinian militant faction Islamic Jihad, which also helped plan the Oct. 7 terror attacks. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 Israel has since been fighting a war on multiple fronts against the Palestinian militant group and other Iranian proxies, such as Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi — which Tehran says are acting independently. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 20 June 2025 The aid group accused Hamas of carrying out the assault; the militant group has not yet responded to the allegations. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 12 June 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
  • Oh Ae-sun (played by K-pop superstar IU, who also portrays Ae-sun’s daughter Geum-myeong) is a poor but ambitious girl who grows up on South Korea’s Jeju Island in the 1950s and 1960s.
    Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • This year’s edition, moreover, is more ambitious than ever.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump and allies such as Davis have complained that the judges ruling against him are left wing partisans.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Such rhetoric alarms those who worry about reopening the divisions of 1971, when Bengali partisans fought Pakistani forces – and each other.
    Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 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
  • The Supreme Court cases that set off the fiercest conflicts among the justices aren’t always the hot-button ones.
    Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 25 June 2025
  • The land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties and bloody betrayals.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 24 June 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
  • All of these cities have something in common: Local lawmakers voted to increase police budgets in 2024, despite pressure from activists who wanted to defund the police.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 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 7 Jul. 2025.

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