CIVILIAN Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

civilian 1 of 2

noun

Definition of civilian

as in noncombatant

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noncombatant

Dissimilar Words

civilian

2 of 2

adjective

as in civil

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Dissimilar Words

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 civilian

Noun

Qusra is supposed to be under Palestinian civilian and security control, and Israeli civilians are barred from entering. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026 Two government employees and one civilian suffered minor injuries, according to the FBI. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

Adjective

Middle school students and preteens, ages 8 to 13, are likely aware of how their lives are different from their civilian peers. — Nikki R Wooten, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 Although presented publicly as civilian technologies, some of the Salyut spacecraft were secretly developed and deployed as reconnaissance platforms equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and other intelligence collection utilities. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian

Noun

He wouldn’t be permitted to remain a noncombatant for very long.

— Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026
Without going into detail, both treat war as the option of last resort, both try to limit reckless destruction of life and property and both try to minimize injury to noncombatants.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Definition of noncombatant

Adjective

He was found guilty in a subsequent civil trial, yet still awarded custody of the divorced couple’s two children.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Chinese authorities have tightened their grip on the media, the legal profession, and civil society, limiting the space for Chinese citizens to discuss mounting social woes and extinguishing emerging calls for deeper political reform.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of civil

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“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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