MILITARIZE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

militarize

verb

Definition of militarize

as in to arm

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 militarize Cepeda says Colombia cannot simply militarize its way out of a conflict and has offered a middle approach of defending dialogue, calling for stronger enforcement and more visible results. — Ines Capdevila, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 The plan raises questions about training, cost and safety, risks further militarizing daily life, and signals mounting strain on Russia’s conventional air defenses as Ukraine accelerates drone innovation. — Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 Trump said Xi also told him that China intended to continue buying oil from Iran, even as Beijing opposed any effort by Iran to militarize or effectively toll the Strait of Hormuz. — Nik Popli, Time, 14 May 2026 Some national parks have militarized their ranger forces to combat poachers, while private reserves typically pay private security companies like Milk River to keep their rhinos safe. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militarize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarize

Verb

Connecticut is not alone In recent months, several states have announced efforts to arm workers for the potential impacts of AI and what those impacts might mean for the future of work.

— Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
Doctors may also tell them to elevate the affected leg or arm to improve blood flow while resting, take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, stay active to keep blood from pooling and possibly wear compression socks or an elastic bandage.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of arm

Verb

Disneyland visitors who have always wanted to try the $250 lightsaber building experience in Savi’s Workshop without footing the bill or having to lug the Jedi Knight weapon all over the Anaheim theme park will now get their chance.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 May 2026
Potentially, starting as a kickoff/coverage teams weapon — 15 career tackles covering punts.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

Definition of weapon

Verb

Thousands of volunteers nationwide were also mobilized to be poll monitors, a backlash to the idea of potential federal election interference.

— Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
While El-Sayed has mobilized a base of young progressive voters, Republicans have attacked him as too radical, and some moderate Democrats warn that his winning could add legitimacy to the DSA movement and ultimately hurt the party.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of mobilize

Browse Nearby Words

militarization

militarize

militarized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Militarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of militarize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

effrontery

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes