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.
Domestic manufacturing can reduce reliance on overseas production when armed forces need replacement equipment or additional weapons. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026 In early October, El Salvador passed a law extending its armed forces’ participation in the force for a year. — Yolanda Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Under Egypt's Constitution, the president must consult the National Defense Council and obtain approval from two-thirds of Parliament before deploying the armed forces on a combat mission abroad. — Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 The techniques were refined between the wars by the French, British, German, and Spanish armed forces, and during the Second World War, tens of thousands of casualties were flown across the European and Pacific theaters. — New Atlas, 20 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

armed forces

plural noun
: the military, naval, and air forces of a nation
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