MILITARIZE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

militarize

verb

Definition of militarize

as in to arm

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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 militarize 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 As countries in the region militarize their fishing fleets, the cost will ultimately be detrimental to ecological sustainability and geopolitical stability. — Nicole Tung, NPR, 18 Apr. 2026 In the South China Sea, Xi told President Obama that China would not militarize the Spratly Islands, yet soon after began constructing runways, installing radar systems and deploying missiles, culminating in a full-scale military buildup. — Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026 The project was met by widespread criticism from those that believe the facility will militarize the police and threaten marginalized people. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militarize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarize

Verb

Telemachus’ lone contribution is killing Melanthius, the traitorous Ithacan farmhand, thus preventing him from continuing to arm the suitors.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026
SoftBank and its data center arm, SB Energy, are building it on a site where a giant uranium enrichment facility once stood, helping arm American nuclear bombs.

— Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 2026

Definition of arm

Verb

Lobbing an anti-satellite, or counter-space, weapon into the same orbital plane as its potential target ties Russia's hands.

— Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Saleh said the organization refuses to stand by as Israel ships weapon components to the U.S. to be developed and then used on the people of Gaza.

— Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025

Definition of weapon

Verb

Rinehart subsequently founded Save Our Teams, an advocacy organization designed to help athletes, parents and alumni mobilize when collegiate swimming programs land on the chopping block.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Local hotels, restaurants and chambers of commerce mobilized around the Tartan Army’s presence to secure vast tourism revenue without funding stadium construction as in some other cities.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of mobilize

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militarization

militarize

militarized

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“Militarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarize. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of militarize

verb

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