militarist 1 of 2

noun

Definition of militaristnext
as in hawk
one who urges or attempts to cause a war a government dominated by militarists

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militarist

2 of 2

adjective

as in militaristic

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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 militarist
Noun
At the same time, the barrage of vitriol unleashed by China castigating Takaichi as a warmongering militarist includes a reprehensible threat by the Chinese consul-general in Osaka about beheading Takaichi. — Jeff Kingston, Time, 30 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled neo-militarist. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026 Right, in France, means pro-Catholic, pro-militarist. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarist
  1. hawk
  2. militaristic
  3. militant
  4. belligerent
  5. warlike
  6. bellicose
Noun
  • Some debt-hawk camps are lobbying to cut federal deficits to 3% of GDP—about half their current levels—while others want to form a committee (similar to President Obama’s Bowles-Simpson Commission) to examine budget options.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That includes efforts involving species such as Swainson’s hawks, burrowing owls, giant garter snakes, salmon, frogs and vernal pool shrimp, as well as the creation of a connected reserve system.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hawk
Adjective
  • Priced from $41,520, the MT1 looks like something from the world of Japanese anime, with none of the militaristic menace of Tesla’s pickup.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The seemingly militaristic act of archery and peaceful meditation may seem diametrically opposed.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of militaristic
Noun
  • Earlier this year, affiliates of al Qaeda and ​Islamic State both carried out attacks on the civilian airport and military airbase, contributing to initial suspicion that militants could have been behind the ​assault on the capital.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Jihadi militants had on two occasions this year attacked the airport, a strategic hub that hosts a Nigerien air force base as well as the headquarters of the joint Niger-Burkina Faso-Mali military force.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • And in August 2008, Russia went to war with neighboring Georgia, showing the belligerent new face of Putin’s foreign policy.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Trump’s belligerent approach to dealing with Canada marks an extraordinary departure from the traditionally cooperative relationship between the two countries.
    — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of belligerent
Adjective
  • Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
  • The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Definition of warlike
Adjective
  • At least, that’s what the bellicose rhetoric from Tehran suggests.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • At National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, a controversial but popular Russian studies program introduced last fall has nothing to do with the glories of imperial Russia and everything to do with the thinking and motivations of the bellicose power next door.
    — Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026
Definition of bellicose

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Cite this Entry

“Militarist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarist. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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