militia

noun

Definition of militianext
as in battalion
a group of people who are not part of the armed forces of a country but are trained like soldiers Local militia were an important part of American forces during the Revolutionary War.

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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 militia In its vision of a desolate America ruled by tyranny and militia, the United States becomes, in the eyes of those who live in its pre-industrial ruins, an idealized symbol of better times. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026 Diarists and observers, including hymn writer John Newton and militia officers, often treated the event as an omen reflecting the gravity of the Revolution. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026 The governor of New York, Benjamin Fletcher, insisted on extraordinary control over the Connecticut militia. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 Two years ago, an FBI informant met with a South Florida man who expressed his desire to join an anti-government militia and build a bomb targeting a New York City landmark, the FBI said. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for militia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militia
  1. battalion
  2. army
  3. soldiers
  4. troops
Noun
  • Across its 55,000-square-foot footprint, the $24 million building is composed of a learning center and classrooms, company orderly rooms, battalion planning space and secure equipment storage — and carries a plaque honoring the state’s 30th governor.
    — Kevin Fixler June 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026
  • These religious sites and sacred areas throughout Ukraine have not been used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces or Ukrainian volunteer battalions as staging grounds to fight against Russian forces.
    — Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of battalion
Noun
  • The framework has provisions for a test run of sorts, with Israeli troops withdrawing from two pilot zones where the Lebanese army will gradually assume security responsibilities.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Earlier this month, the Nigerian army rescued more than 300 people abducted by Boko Haram from Ngoshe, a town about 114 kilometers (71 miles) from Lassa, where Monday’s abduction happened.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of army
Noun
  • The remains of two Army soldiers who went missing while off duty from military exercises in Morocco were recovered in May, according to the Army.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The soldiers went missing on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area near the city of Tan Tan in southwestern Morocco, USA TODAY previously reported.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of soldiers
Noun
  • Currently, more than 4,000 National Guard troops remain deployed in the District.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • There are construction cranes, National Guard troops, and portable restrooms everywhere.
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of troops

Browse Nearby Words

military
militia
militiaman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Militia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on militia

Nglish: Translation of militia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about militia

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