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militant

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noun

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
Years of political gridlock, largely blamed on the militant group, eased up enough this month to enable the Lebanese Parliament to elect a new president and appoint a prime minister who is backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Erika Solomon, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 On Sunday, if a ceasefire deal endorsed by Israel and Hamas goes ahead, the first of dozens of captives held by the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip for the past 15 months will be freed. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 Hamas demanded to swap several names on the list for military leaders of the militant group who are serving multiple life sentences for planning and orchestrating suicide bombings, Israeli and U.S. officials said. Barak Ravid, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 As part of that first phase, Hamas and its allied militant groups will release 33 hostages in the first phase, including female soldiers, children, the elderly and the sick, Al Thani said. Lauren Kent, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for militant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant
Adjective
  • An aggressive exterior, with more aero and venting, hints at the performance potential within.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Eight years later, polls show the president has more support in the country for aggressive limits on immigration, in part because of a surge in migrants crossing the southern border during much of Mr. Biden’s time in office.
    Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • More ambitious scenarios, like the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, envision cutting oil, coal, and gas use by at least 80% in just 25 years—an unprecedented feat.
    Aldo Flores-Quiroga, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Nine dogs and 30 cats were adopted from the center on San Carlos and Third streets last month — short of the ambitious goal of 100 but still pretty good considering people who stopped by were likely on their way to or from downtown holiday events.
    Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Like today, partisans were divided over what colleges should teach.
    Johann Neem / Made by History, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025
  • This is particularly true in recent years, when partisans' views of crime have tended to change based on the party of the president.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Instead, she was hounded out of the classroom by authorities hostile to Western literature.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Last year, Trump's predecessor Joe Biden fired the inspector general of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, after an investigation found the official had created a hostile work environment.
    Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Rubio was a fierce Trump critic during the contest for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
    Laura Kelly, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Just one decade later, he's become one of Meta's fiercest competitors BYMarco Quiroz-Gutierrez January 15, 2025 7 hours ago Personal Finance A woman purchased a vacant Hawaiian lot for about $22,000.
    Chloe Berger, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Pro tip: Stay tuned for more suggestions next week since the festival runs until Feb. 2. Monday 🕊️ MLK Jr. Day Celebration: Free event honoring the late civil rights activist with live performances, art and music.
    Nadia Lopez, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The issue also caused political problems for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, helping contribute to a drop in support from climate activists and progressive voters in the 2024 election.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Hellboy himself is an anti-Nazi crusader in a world largely inspired by the fiction of the notoriously racist genius of weird fiction, H.P. Lovecraft.
    Sam Thielman, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • At times, Fok appears like a crusader who wants to question the system that leaves victims like poor innocent Man in its wake.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near militant

Cite this Entry

“Militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militant. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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