armed forces

plural noun

Synonyms of armed forcesnext
: the combined military, naval, and air forces of a nation

called also armed services

Synonyms of armed forces

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Examples of armed forces in a Sentence

our nation's armed forces are stationed throughout the world
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As well as instruction on weapons and battlefield tactics, the basic military training covers lessons on Russia’s national security doctrine and the structure of the armed forces. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 He was flown back home by the Norwegian armed forces and later fitted with a permanent device. — Terje Solsvik, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Across administrations, both military leaders and career civilians have sought to foster a culture of respect throughout the armed forces. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 The invasion has raised European willingness to spend more on defense, and the fighting has badly degraded Russia’s armed forces. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for armed forces

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armed forces was in 1572

Rhymes for armed forces

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Browse Nearby Words

armed and dangerous
armed forces
armed guard
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Cite this Entry

“Armed forces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armed%20forces. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

armed forces

plural noun
: the military, naval, and air forces of a nation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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