militarist 1 of 2

noun

Definition of militaristnext
as in hawk
one who urges or attempts to cause a war a government dominated by militarists

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

militarist

2 of 2

adjective

as in militaristic

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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 militarist
Noun
At the same time, the barrage of vitriol unleashed by China castigating Takaichi as a warmongering militarist includes a reprehensible threat by the Chinese consul-general in Osaka about beheading Takaichi. — Jeff Kingston, Time, 30 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled neo-militarist. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026 Right, in France, means pro-Catholic, pro-militarist. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarist
  1. hawk
  2. militaristic
  3. militant
  4. belligerent
  5. warlike
  6. bellicose
Noun
  • Animal lovers can also visit The Raptor Center to see eagles, owls, and hawks up close while learning about wildlife rehabilitation.
    — Samantha Lande, Midwest Living, 30 July 2026
  • Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named for the longtime defense hawk and outspoken Ukraine supporter who died unexpectedly earlier this month.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of hawk
Adjective
  • Priced from $41,520, the MT1 looks like something from the world of Japanese anime, with none of the militaristic menace of Tesla’s pickup.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The seemingly militaristic act of archery and peaceful meditation may seem diametrically opposed.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of militaristic
Noun
  • In April 2012, a coalition of Tuareg rebel groups under the Coordination of Azawad Movements declared independence and sparked a rebellion alongside Islamic militants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza since the ceasefire.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • Per the title, Aang is the last surviving airbender after his pacifist brethren were slaughtered by a belligerent, expansionist Fire Nation.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • The tit-for-tat strikes and increasingly belligerent posture from both sides roiled markets and is threatening to unravel the memorandum of understanding signed last month to end the war.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of belligerent
Adjective
  • Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
  • The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Definition of warlike
Adjective
  • At least, that’s what the bellicose rhetoric from Tehran suggests.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • At National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, a controversial but popular Russian studies program introduced last fall has nothing to do with the glories of imperial Russia and everything to do with the thinking and motivations of the bellicose power next door.
    — Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026
Definition of bellicose

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Cite this Entry

“Militarist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarist. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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