militancy

noun

mil·​i·​tan·​cy ˈmi-lə-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce militancy (audio)
Synonyms of militancynext
: the quality or state of being militant

Synonyms of militancy

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Examples of militancy in a Sentence

the militancy of the radical organization gave the authorities cause for concern
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.
But she was criticized for her increasing militancy, even within her African National Congress party. — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 2 May 2026 Conflict is more entrenched in Guerrero than in most Mexican states, with a history of militancy dating back to guerrilla movements in the 1960s. — ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026 Military campaigns there have created a cycle of violence where civilians are often caught in the middle, and the distinction between political activism and armed militancy is frequently blurred. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 Through such moves, the line between state security apparatus and settler militancy has become virtually indistinguishable. — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militancy

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of militancy was in 1648

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Militancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/militancy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

militancy

noun
mil·​i·​tan·​cy ˈmil-ə-tən-sē How to pronounce militancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being militant

More from Merriam-Webster on militancy

Nglish: Translation of militancy for Spanish Speakers

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