militarism

noun

Definition of militarismnext
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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for militarism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarism
  1. aggression
  2. imperialism
  3. aggressiveness
  4. jingoism
  5. defiance
Noun
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2024 that pledged mutual aid if either country faced aggression.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • End the war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq forever.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • Yamaoka was among a handful of Japanese Muslims who had converted to Islam as a political and strategic act, while remaining ideologically committed to Japanese imperialism, the Japanese emperor, and Shinto as a religion.
    — Mimi Hanaoka, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of imperialism
Noun
  • She’s learned how to channel her competitiveness and aggressiveness in a much better way, a more productive way.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Instead of crumbling in defeat, Rivera roared back with defiance.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of defiance

Browse Nearby Words

militants
militarism
militarist
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Cite this Entry

“Militarism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on militarism

Nglish: Translation of militarism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about militarism

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