MILITARISM Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

militarism

noun

Definition of militarism

as in aggression

the opinions or actions of people who believe that a country should use military methods, forces, etc., to gain power and to achieve its goals The administration has been criticized for the militarism of its foreign policy.

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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 militarism That is using militarism and war as an excuse for people to make profit. — June 1, NPR, 1 June 2026 Yet by 2012, Putin had steered the country back toward self-isolation and militarism. — Anna Nemtsova, Time, 23 May 2026 His work often serves as commentary on polarizing issues, including migration, militarism, politics and capitalism. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 Moreover, in conflict and humanitarian situations, violence against LGBTQ+ people shares some key root causes driving violence against women and girls, such as restrictive gender norms and militarism. — Jenna Norosky, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militarism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarism

Noun

Even absent Chinese aggression, people in Taiwan increasingly identify as Taiwanese and do not seem inclined to repeat Hong Kong’s experience of acquiescing to Chinese rule.

— Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
On the night of the last game at the old stadium, a 3-2 victory against Manchester United on May 10, 2016, nobody — not the police, the local community, not the club — expected the outpouring of emotion and aggression.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

In The Odyssey, Odysseus (Matt Damon) serves in the Trojan war, and his laborious journey home highlights how imperialism makes villains out of us all, no matter how good our intentions.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Writing during the Second World War, Simone Weil stressed the need for Europe to abjure imperialism and recover its Greek and Christian traditions.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

Definition of imperialism

Noun

If Yesavage can maintain that aggressiveness over the rest of the season, the Jays won’t have to worry about their funky righty.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Cannon breaks down the accountability, aggressiveness and the perspective needed to play effective defense after the team’s reset week.

— John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

But aside from that scene, and some odd red, white and blue sparkler-like fireworks visible in the New York Harbor, which curiously distract from a view of the Statue of Liberty, Soarin’ Across America doesn’t lay on the jingoism.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
This was an era of over-the-top displays of patriotism and even jingoism; the phrase Let’s make America great again was in.

— Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

Definition of jingoism

Noun

No wonder the new York head coach cut quite the forlorn figure on the touchline during the closing exchanges, even allowing for his post-match words of defiance for the boo boys.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Those acts of defiance, as well as frequent protests by retirees against worsening livelihoods, have helped shatter the narrative that Iranians are united behind their country’s war against the United States and Israel.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of defiance

Browse Nearby Words

militants

militarism

militarist

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“Militarism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarism. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of militarism

noun

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