1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
political radicals with a militant unwillingness to compromise on any issue
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2
as in ambitious
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal
militant protestors refusing to disperse
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as in partisan
one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause
militants within the movement insisted that there could be no compromise on the issue
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as in aggression
an inclination to fight or quarrel
the militantness of the group's manifesto
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of militant
Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 31 July 2025
Last week, an internal U.S. government review concluded that the militant group was not responsible for systematically looting aid.
—Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 30 July 2025
Israel declared war on Hamas after the militant group's soldiers launched a surprise attack on the Jewish state, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Trump has been uniquely willing to break with Israel on many issues—for instance, by making deals with the Houthi militant group in Yemen and opening a diplomatic dialogue with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, despite his past alignment with al-Qaeda.
—Zaha Hassan, Foreign Affairs, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for militant
Adjective
Israeli officials have long accused Hamas of seizing humanitarian goods and selling them to fund militant activity.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 31 July 2025
Last week, an internal U.S. government review concluded that the militant group was not responsible for systematically looting aid.
—Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 30 July 2025
Israel declared war on Hamas after the militant group's soldiers launched a surprise attack on the Jewish state, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Trump has been uniquely willing to break with Israel on many issues—for instance, by making deals with the Houthi militant group in Yemen and opening a diplomatic dialogue with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, despite his past alignment with al-Qaeda.
—Zaha Hassan, Foreign Affairs, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
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The former Calle 13 member impresses her sensitivity to this piece, originally written by Orlando Brito and popularized in 1975 by the great Héctor Lavoe, giving it new life with her powerful, dramatic voice, accompanied by street guitars and harsh, aggressive chords that captivate the listener.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
15 Aug. 2025
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Poor oral hygiene allows plaque bacteria to produce acids that contribute to decay, while aggressive brushing can physically wear away the enamel surface.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Below, Christopher tells PEOPLE about his ambitious career goals, talks about his love for action movies, and much more.—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Investors who understand the aspirations of this next generation digitally fluent, globally ambitious, and culturally rooted can build enduring franchises.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Nonetheless, the show’s premiere provides the perfect moment to map out the slimy, menacing world of Ellen Ripley and company in their epic battle against one of the galaxy’s fiercest creatures.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
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The potential redistricting effort has faced fierce backlash from opponents, including Democratic lawmakers from the Kansas City area.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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