as in to arm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Despite earlier assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping that China would not militarize the reefs, some now feature airstrips, missile emplacements, ports, and other military infrastructure.
—
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
China has crushed Hong Kong’s freedoms, imposed martial law in Tibet, built concentration camps in Xinjiang, and militarized the South China Sea with artificial island fortresses and swarms of maritime militias.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2025
Some analysts see it as a way to militarize the border and skirt a federal law -- the Posse Comitatus Act -- that prohibits U.S. military personnel from carrying out law enforcement duties: by declaring the federal property a military base where migrants crossing into can be detained.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2025
China has also militarized the South China Sea and has pursued expansive and legally disputed territorial claims.
—Monica Duffy Toft, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for militarize
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
China has crushed Hong Kong’s freedoms, imposed martial law in Tibet, built concentration camps in Xinjiang, and militarized the South China Sea with artificial island fortresses and swarms of maritime militias.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2025
Some analysts see it as a way to militarize the border and skirt a federal law -- the Posse Comitatus Act -- that prohibits U.S. military personnel from carrying out law enforcement duties: by declaring the federal property a military base where migrants crossing into can be detained.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2025
China has also militarized the South China Sea and has pursued expansive and legally disputed territorial claims.
—Monica Duffy Toft, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for militarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarize
Verb
-
Despite this, preliminary reports indicate that on Friday morning, non-stealthy fourth-generation Israeli F-16s armed with small-diameter bombs flew less than 50 miles outside the heart of Tehran.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
Based on historical sources, officials identified the structure as a single-room anti-tank bunker, likely armed with an anti-tank gun and occupied by four people.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
With his speed and pass-catching skills, Loveland should quickly become a go-to weapon for Caleb Williams. Day 3 pick who could surprise: Luke Newman, G, Michigan State Jonah Jackson played in only four games last season, because of injuries.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Challengers of the rule, which included gun manufacturers and individual gun owners, contended the 1968 Gun Control Act didn't apply to weapon parts kits and that the administrative action was an overreach.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Trump, over the past week, federalized 4,000 members of the California Guard and mobilized another approximately 700 U.S. Marines to respond to protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement actions in that city.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
13 June 2025
-
But that tension still pales in comparison with California and Texas, where National Guard troops have mobilized at the direction of Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Militarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarize. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share