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 The plan raises questions about training, cost and safety, risks further militarizing daily life, and signals mounting strain on Russia’s conventional air defenses as Ukraine accelerates drone innovation. — Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 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 Facing growing criticism over military restrictions in disaster zones, Venezuela’s interim government on Thursday defended its decision to militarize the state of La Guaira as the death toll from last week’s earthquakes climbed to 2,595. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 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

Congress has pledged to better arm Taiwan, giving preliminary approval to a $14 billion arms sales package.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026
The decision to end the core pillar of Europe’s largest defense project comes at a time when Western military officials have warned of a growing threat from Russia and the US is stepping up pressure for Europe to re-arm itself.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

Definition of arm

Verb

Lobbing an anti-satellite, or counter-space, weapon into the same orbital plane as its potential target ties Russia's hands.

— Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Saleh said the organization refuses to stand by as Israel ships weapon components to the U.S. to be developed and then used on the people of Gaza.

— Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025

Definition of weapon

Verb

Rodríguez rejected those accusations, insisting authorities mobilized immediately.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
The recent surge in AI investment demonstrates that America can still mobilize capital at extraordinary speed when a business case is compelling.

— Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Definition of mobilize

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militarization

militarize

militarized

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“Militarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/militarize. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of militarize

verb

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