MILITARIZE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

militarize

verb

Definition of militarize

as in to arm

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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 militarize Trump said Xi also told him that China intended to continue buying oil from Iran, even as Beijing opposed any effort by Iran to militarize or effectively toll the Strait of Hormuz. — Nik Popli, Time, 14 May 2026 Some national parks have militarized their ranger forces to combat poachers, while private reserves typically pay private security companies like Milk River to keep their rhinos safe. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 29 Apr. 2026 As countries in the region militarize their fishing fleets, the cost will ultimately be detrimental to ecological sustainability and geopolitical stability. — Nicole Tung, NPR, 18 Apr. 2026 In the South China Sea, Xi told President Obama that China would not militarize the Spratly Islands, yet soon after began constructing runways, installing radar systems and deploying missiles, culminating in a full-scale military buildup. — Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militarize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for militarize

Verb

After spending 13 years at Lucasfilm working on Star Wars, Walters helped grow Xbox’s consumer products arm into a mult-billion-dollar business with more than 250 licenses.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Ahmed doesn’t merely document the decisions that led President Biden and his aides to arm and rationalize what leading human rights organizations and legal scholars now consider a genocide.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of arm

Verb

Disneyland visitors who have always wanted to try the $250 lightsaber building experience in Savi’s Workshop without footing the bill or having to lug the Jedi Knight weapon all over the Anaheim theme park will now get their chance.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 May 2026
Potentially, starting as a kickoff/coverage teams weapon — 15 career tackles covering punts.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

Definition of weapon

Verb

Eritrean troops fought alongside Ethiopian forces during the war in Tigray, but recently, Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting the rebels and mobilizing support from Egypt and Sudan.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Richard Clough is the EY Global Chief Data Officer, mobilizing the AI Ready Data Strategy and AI Ready Data Governance.

— Richard Clough, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of mobilize

Browse Nearby Words

militarization

militarize

militarized

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“Militarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarize. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of militarize

verb

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