MILITANT Synonyms: 260 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

militant 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmi-lə-tənt

Definition of militant next

as in aggressive

feeling or displaying eagerness to fight political radicals with a militant unwillingness to compromise on any issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ambitious

having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal militant protestors refusing to disperse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

With how aggressive Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been on fourth down, Fangio has to treat third down like second down.

— Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
So far, investors have been relieved President Donald Trump has backed away from aggressive, across-the-board tariffs during his first days in office.

— Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025