civilian 1 of 2

noun

Definition of civiliannext
as in noncombatant

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civilian

2 of 2

adjective

as in civil

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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 civilian
Noun
In 2014, during his second term, President Barack Obama presented Streep with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Dagher also could not confirm who killed the civilian. — CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
The plan calls for a surge in humanitarian aid, governance by a civilian Palestinian administration, the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the deployment of an international force to help maintain security. — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego, serves as the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and is home to more than 15,000 Marines, sailors and civilian personnel. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian
  1. noncombatant
  2. civil
Noun
  • He wouldn’t be permitted to remain a noncombatant for very long.
    — Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026
  • Without going into detail, both treat war as the option of last resort, both try to limit reckless destruction of life and property and both try to minimize injury to noncombatants.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Definition of noncombatant
Adjective
  • While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people!
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Bombardier has described the Global 8000 as the world’s fastest civil aircraft since Concorde.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Definition of civil

Browse Nearby Words

civil disobedience
civilian
civilians
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Cite this Entry

“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on civilian

Nglish: Translation of civilian for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about civilian

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