militant 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmi-lə-tənt How to pronounce militant (audio)
Definition of militantnext
1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight political radicals with a militant unwillingness to compromise on any issue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambitious
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal militant protestors refusing to disperse

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

militant

2 of 2

noun

as in partisan
one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause militants within the movement insisted that there could be no compromise on the issue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective militant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of militant are aggressive, assertive, and self-assertive. While all these words mean "obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals," 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

When would aggressive be a good substitute for militant?

The synonyms aggressive and militant are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can assertive take the place of militant?

In some situations, the words assertive and militant are roughly equivalent. However, assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion.

the more assertive speakers dominated the forum

When is it sensible to use self-assertive instead of militant?

The words self-assertive and militant can be used in similar contexts, but self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence.

a self-assertive young upstart

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 militant
Adjective
And did a focus on militant Islamism mean turning away from threats posed by white supremacist groups? —September 11, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025 International borders were no protection for the militant group. —Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
The conflict began after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. —Sachin Ravikumar, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 The war in Gaza has sparked a surge of violence in Israel and the occupied West Bank, with a rise in attacks by Palestinian militants as well as settler violence against Palestinians. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for militant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
  1. aggressive
  2. ambitious
  3. partisan
  4. hostile
  5. fierce
  6. activist
  7. crusader
Adjective
  • Google, Apple and others have no choice but to be aggressive in integrating AI functions into their products.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Both drivers are known for being aggressive on track and racing hard.
    — Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • The ambitious, first-of-its-kind attraction combines four separate ride systems with state-of-the-art audio-animatronics and visual effects.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The Bottom Line Workday showcases robust growth, strong finances, and ambitious ambitions to weave AI throughout its products.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of ambitious
Noun
  • The cumulative effect is a Congress dominated by out-of-touch partisans more focused on tearing down the other side than governing and addressing the complicated problems facing citizens and the nation.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Do people in your field think that the partisan, toxic atmosphere in the country could be motivating these attacks, even if the shooters themselves aren’t clear partisans attacking someone from the opposing party?
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of partisan
Adjective
  • The team's away record is also impressive, with two wins and one draw, showcasing its ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • More than thirty signs referencing racial discrimination and the hostile attitudes of white people to those who were formerly enslaved will come down or be partially covered.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • In the face of fierce opposition, Lyles supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020 — standing on her commitment to represent the entire city as mayor.
    — Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In Paradise Bay, competition is fierce to attract high-end clientele and the standout offering at Maxx Royal is its two-story, 5,750-square-meter spa.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of fierce
Noun
  • The university where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah is set to hold a vigil on its campus, school officials confirmed.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
  • In the days following his killing, conservative activist Charlie Kirk has, in a sense, become all things to all people.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of activist
Noun
  • Underwood is not a regulator or a public-health crusader.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Student protesters named Nepal’s former chief justice and longtime anti-corruption crusader Sushila Karki as the country’s caretaker prime minister Friday, following deadly anti-corruption demonstrations that toppled the government.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of crusader

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Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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