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

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

Clashes broke out ongoing on the eastern border with Syria earlier this week between Lebanese clans and the security forces of the new Syrian government, which are largely made up of former members of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al Sham. —

Kareem Chehayeb and Abby Sewell, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Feb. 2025 The Justice Department also requested a list of agents involved in a U.S. criminal case against leaders of the Hamas militant group. —

Sarah Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 Israel’s 15-month campaign against the militant Hamas group had reduced large parts of Gaza to rubble before a fragile ceasefire took hold last month. —

Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Thirteen Israeli citizens, including some with dual nationalities, and five Thai nationals have been released by Hamas and other militant groups since the cease-fire took hold on Jan. 19, bringing public rejoicing and emotional family reunions. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for militant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for militant

Adjective

Instead, her life was turned upside down last week after President Donald Trump’s administration began instituting mass layoffs as part of an aggressive effort to trim the federal workforce.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
That aggressive style of play limited how often Creighton could set up a half-court offense anchored by 7-1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who is four inches taller than Ejiofor, the biggest St. John’s starter.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025