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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
Opposing Gulf Arab and American strategic interests, Iran has for years intervened aggressively in Middle Eastern politics by funding and encouraging militant Shiite groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere. David Mednicoff, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025 Israel accuses the militant group of using civilians as human shields and says therefore Hamas is responsible for the civilian casualties in Gaza. Chloe Veltman, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
The conflict began after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Sachin Ravikumar, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 The war in Gaza has sparked a surge of violence in Israel and the occupied West Bank, with a rise in attacks by Palestinian militants as well as settler violence against Palestinians. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
  • Now and in the future In the early days of the Bowman era, the Oilers appear to be more aggressive in looking for talent.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • First, assume that classification will be litigated if the arrangement is aggressive or if the borrower is thinly capitalized.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This year’s most ambitious chefs laid themselves bare, their autobiographical storytelling shaping singular restaurants.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Scaling With Purpose The future for FIBI Vacation Rentals is ambitious but focused.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • During World War II, the song was transformed by Italian partisans into an anti-fascist anthem.
    Amanda Castro Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Albert Rowuin, who lives in Orange County, is a hardcore partisan.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to climate change, Cosmism’s ambivalent and generally hostile attitude towards the natural world should also sound familiar.
    Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Another camera designed to withstand the hostile environment of space was used outside.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the face of fierce opposition, Lyles supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020 — standing on her commitment to represent the entire city as mayor.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In Paradise Bay, competition is fierce to attract high-end clientele and the standout offering at Maxx Royal is its two-story, 5,750-square-meter spa.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And in late August, the father of conservative political activist Riley Gaines filed for the seat.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is sending shockwaves through Capitol Hill, a place that is no stranger to political violence.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The prosecutor in Lula’s case was Sérgio Moro, a conservative anti-corruption crusader who went on to become Bolsonaro’s justice minister.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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