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Definition of militantnext
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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
Kan 11, the country’s public broadcaster, attributed the information to the Coordinator of Government Affairs in the Territories (COGAT) and said there is now an effort to analyze how many of those killed were civilian or militant. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026 Beyond this, its divisions along ideological lines—its movement including monarchists, secularists, ethnic autonomy movements, and militant organizations—are significant. Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
If fighting continues, the most effective counter-terrorism forces in Syria may soon be dismantled or outright destroyed, and thousands of ISIS militants and sympathizers freed, which preliminary reports suggest might already be underway. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 The Israeli military has carried out large-scale operations in the West Bank targeting militants that have killed hundreds of Palestinians. Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
  • Some of the city's narrow streets fell victim to the aggressive snow totals, leaving residents with little wiggle room to get around it.
    Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The agency’s aggressive tactics this past year – especially when agents make their presence known in public areas in or near an employer, such as a parking lot – have had a chilling effect on businesses in areas where ICE has been operating.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The brainchild of Chris Roberts, the mind behind Wing Commander and Freelancer, Star Citizen is probably the most ambitious ongoing project in video games, having raised nearly one billion dollars in funding as of this writing.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Originally conceived in the late 1950s as an ambitious shopping mall, the project was never completed and was later repurposed by security forces.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Motele, whose parents were murdered by the Nazis, escaped into the forest and joined a group of Jewish partisans.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Even the country’s most panicked partisans wouldn’t put money on Comey serving a day in prison for the serious crimes he’s charged with.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His 134 men were armed with musket, cartridge pouch, and sword in case of a hostile encounter, and the Africaansche Galey lay close by with a couple of small cannon brought forward on the bow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The broader goal, Rubio said, is a prosperous Venezuela aligned with the United States and no longer serving as a hub for hostile foreign powers.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Those funds are caught in a fierce battle over Democratic proposals, now backed by some Republicans, to impose limits on the behavior of the ICE agents whose aggressive tactics in Minneapolis have left protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti dead.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Game director Cary Trzcinski made sure emotions did not boil over and lead to a melee, sticking his thick body and fierce game face into one brewing moment in the second half.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But it’s estimated that in the country of roughly 92 million people, only about 50,000 Starlink terminals have been smuggled into the country, according to digital activists cited by FreedomHouse.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Economic woes sparked the protests, which broadened into a challenge to the theocracy before the crackdown, which activists say has killed at least 6,443 people.
    SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To now endure censure by overzealous anti-Pretendian crusaders, and banishment by bureaucratic tribal decrees and reactionary blood-quantum rules, feels particularly bitter.
    David Treuer, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
  • For now, privacy crusaders are left to wait.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 31 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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