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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
Israel has claimed Al-Sharif and others were closely linked to Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, accusations the journalists’ families and outlets strongly denied. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 15 Aug. 2025 The operation, which is intended to increase pressure on Hamas and free the remaining Israeli captives, could be paused if the militant group returns to negotiations, the official noted. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025 In 2020, members of the militant group showed up at anti-lockdown rallies across the country, clashed with racial-justice protesters, and earned a shout-out from Trump himself during a presidential debate. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025 While some agree with early views of student protestors that Israel is carrying out a campaign of cruelty and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, others insist Hamas, the militant group in control of the region, which attacked Israel on Oct. 7, sparking the war, is solely responsible for the suffering. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
  • In addition to doing his job defensively, Garcia was aggressive in pushing up from his spot at left back and getting involved in the offensive attack.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Justifying his aggressive actions, Trump claimed without evidence that D.C.'s crime data was falsified to downplay the severity of the issue.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Certainly, there are plenty of green initiatives like the sanctuary's domes, ambitious recycling projects and its famous solar cities.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • And at every turn — whether ingratiating themselves with a young police officer (Naomi Ackie) or going toe-to-toe with an ambitious real estate developer (David Tenant) — these retirees use their age to their advantage.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 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
  • That’s because under polarized conditions, a true swing state is usually the place where both parties make the strongest efforts at persuasion, where the stakes of each election seem highest and the fear of the other party’s rule is sharpest among partisans on either side.
    Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The cooperative exercises typically elicit a hostile response from North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who has steadily disapproved of the drills for years.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Their reasons are practical and emotional: 76% cited concern for LGBTQ rights in general, while 71% cited hostile social and political environments.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) shows Democrats ahead of Republicans in overall fundraising, with more success among House Democrats than senators, as the parties gear up for a fierce 2026 midterm election.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The incident comes amid fierce controversy around pro-Palestinian activism and free speech in the UK, with musicians often at the forefront.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The original video was recorded by the anti-pornography activist Melinda Tankard Reist, who interviewed seventh-graders in Far North Queensland.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The knock came around 6 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 8, for 71-year-old activist Katherine Hinds.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In many cases, the revelations of his work have led to governmental reckonings and legal ramifications, yet Hersh, now 88 and surrounded by boxes of files from decades of tireless work, sees himself not as a crusader but as a citizen just doing his job.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
  • But in their day, Wolff and Anslinger were crusaders, deadly serious and not about to let facts get in the way of their opinions.
    Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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