militarism

noun

mil·​i·​ta·​rism ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce militarism (audio)
Synonyms of militarism
1
a
: predominance of the military class or its ideals
b
: exaltation of military virtues and ideals
2
: a policy of aggressive military preparedness
militarist
ˈmi-lə-tə-rist How to pronounce militarism (audio)
noun or adjective
militaristic
ˌmi-lə-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce militarism (audio)
adjective
militaristically
ˌmi-lə-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce militarism (audio)
adverb

Examples of militarism in a Sentence

The administration has been criticized for the militarism of its foreign policy.
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.
That is using militarism and war as an excuse for people to make profit. — June 1, NPR, 1 June 2026 Yet by 2012, Putin had steered the country back toward self-isolation and militarism. — Anna Nemtsova, Time, 23 May 2026 All-singing, all-dancing American optimism-cum-militarism isn’t really the play’s subject so much as its mode. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026 The larger systems of fossil capitalism and militarism depend on one another. — Mehrnoush Soroush, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for militarism

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of militarism was in 1863

Phrases Containing militarism

Rhymes for militarism

See All Rhymes for militarism

Browse Nearby Words

militarise
militarism
militarist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

militarism

noun
mil·​i·​ta·​rism ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce militarism (audio)
1
: control or rule by a military class
2
: extreme admiration and praise of military virtues and ideals
3
: a policy of aggressive military readiness
militarist
-rəst How to pronounce militarism (audio)
noun
militaristic
ˌmil-ə-tə-ˈris-tik How to pronounce militarism (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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