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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
On Friday, Israel hit Mushtaha Tower, a local landmark that housed dozens of families, saying Hamas militants had used it for surveillance. Wafaa Shurafa, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025 As the Sons occupy a government building, Chris springs into action, saving a hostage while killing militant after militant with fists, a copy machine, and — in the most memorably violent use of a writing utensil in a DC Comics adaptation since The Dark Knight — two pencils in the ears. Scott Meslow, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
  • Mid-summer changes to United’s revolving credit facility indicated a switch in strategy, and there was a more aggressive approach in the market following a summit in Iceland between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the Taiwanese chip titan has kicked off ambitious global expansion plans in the US, Japan and Germany, at least 80% of its production capacity will remain in Taiwan by 2030, according to TrendForce, a market research firm.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As the season progresses, the stories do get more ambitious, and major errors—of reporting practice or of mere conscience—are generally avoided.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The bottom line: partisans may spin the price of gasoline, but the true story lies in the global interplay of supply, demand, and investment.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • While there’s no indication the data has been rigged (assertions from the White House aside) – or will be rigged in the future – the White House’s nomination of a partisan to lead the government’s economic data agency was enough to worry global economic and financial circles.
    Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has been hostile to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and prioritizes fossil fuels for electricity.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter took it as a hostile act and approached Prescott, meeting face-to-face with him.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In August, the discontent grew when a leak showed that the White House's forthcoming MAHA strategy report would sidestep tougher limits on pesticides and other agrochemicals, bowing to fierce industry pressure.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The lawyer, activist, and University of California, Los Angeles professor heads the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School.
    John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly a year after being removed from Lincoln Heights' village council over a tax dispute, a leading community activist has had his seat restored by a state appeals court.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Today’s moral crusaders assume an elementary cause-and-effect relationship between books and readers.
    Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Now, over three years later, the series is back to continue the adventures of the masked crusader.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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