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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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 Memories of Imperial Japan’s human rights abuses were still fresh in people’s minds – fueling fears that any such law or intelligence reform could backslide once again to surveillance, militarism and repression. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 From the other side of the ideological spectrum, anti-Nazis interpreted the tolerant and pacifist spirit of the film as a rebuke to Nazi eugenics and militarism. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 Germany, Austria, and other countries turn to protectionism, xenophobia, militarism. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 That is using militarism and war as an excuse for people to make profit. — June 1, NPR, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for militarism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarism

Noun

That was the most glaring example of the gulf between the two teams in terms of duels, aggression and general competitiveness.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The savage purge since June of high-momentum stocks – dominated by AI hardware and related industrials – has sapped the bullish aggression of traders, helping to reset tactical sentiment toward a more neutral level.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

More than a record of a single moment, American Occupation places Operation Metro Surge in conversation with the longer history of American expansion, imperialism, borders, and the US government’s abuse of power against its own civilians.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Perhaps this saga of planetary conquest is also a sly commentary on Hollywood imperialism, in which even the most far-flung of small-town tales must be overwhelmed by big-name stars in visual-effects drag.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of imperialism

Noun

Badosa’s front-foot aggressiveness and ability to rush Gauff’s forehand have brought her wins in their past two meetings.

— Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The salaries match, Strus is an expiring contract while Niko has four years left and the 3-point shooting and the aggressiveness of Max are way better than Niko’s.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

Starting with an onscreen Biblical quote, the screenplay often feels on the brink of conservative jingoism that never quite becomes explicit.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of jingoism

Noun

This defiance can be thought of as a refusal to feel shame—or, at least, as the confidence to believe that the shamers are wrong.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026
This, itself, is the ultimate act of defiance in the face of America’s neverending frontier.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of defiance

Browse Nearby Words

militants

militarism

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“Militarism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarism. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of militarism

noun

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