militant

adjective

mil·i·tant ˈmi-lə-tənt

Synonyms of militant

: engaged in warfare or combat : fighting

: aggressively active (as in a cause) : combative

militant conservationists

a militant attitude

militant noun

militantly adverb

militantness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for militant

aggressive, militant, assertive, self-assertive mean obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals.

aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends.

aggressive in his business dealings

militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.

militant protesters rallied against the new law

assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

Examples of militant in a Sentence

an angry and militant speech political radicals with a militant unwillingness to compromise on any issue

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The government must find ways to act on intelligence and prevent militant attacks, rather than simply responding to them, according to Sekinat Ojeniyi, a senior analyst at global risk consultancy Africa Practice. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 The agreement, part of a broader ceasefire deal reached last year, calls for Israel to cease its military operations and for Hamas and its allies in Gaza to halt all militant activity. — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 The militant faction declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabian shipping in late July, including a blockade on ships of all origins attempting to enter the country’s ports. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026 Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant attacks in recent years, particularly targeting police and security forces. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militant

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of militant was in the 15th century

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Style

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/militant. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

militant

adjective

mil·i·tant ˈmil-ə-tənt

: being at war

: aggressively active especially in a cause

militant protesters

militant noun

militantly adverb

militantness noun

militant

adjective

Synonyms of militant

Examples of militant in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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