Thesaurus results for STANDING ARMY

standing army

noun

Definition of standing army

as in national guard

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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 standing army Environmental concerns have held a central place in Costa Rica’s identity for years, much like its lack of a standing army, and the country has set ambitious sustainability goals. — Djenane Villanueva, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 Within days, President Abraham Lincoln called on states loyal to the Union to send troops to bolster a standing army of only 16,000 and put down the South's growing rebellion. — Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026 With Stalin’s large standing army smothering half of Europe, and his fledgling nuclear arsenal extending Moscow’s ambitions overseas, America had to scramble. — Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026 Finland became a full member of NATO in April 2023, adding Finland’s standing army of nearly 280,000 (with a reserve of 900,000) to guard its 830-mile (1,340-km) border with Russia. — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for standing army

Recent Examples of Synonyms for standing army

Noun

At least two military members also attend veteran funeral services, usually sent from either active duty, the national guard or the reserve, said Chadd Boland, a National Guard staff sergeant.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The conflict escalated further, resulting in 25 national guard members being killed in separate attacks following the cartel leader’s killing.

— Jordan Parker Aviation, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026

Definition of national guard

Noun

William's sixth-great-grandfather was born in Coventry in 1740 and enlisted as a private in the Connecticut militia.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Diarists and observers, including hymn writer John Newton and militia officers, often treated the event as an omen reflecting the gravity of the Revolution.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of militia

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standing armies

standing army

standing by

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“Standing army.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standing%20army. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of standing army

noun

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