CIVILIAN Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

civilian 1 of 2

noun

Definition of civilian

as in noncombatant

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noncombatant

Dissimilar Words

civilian

2 of 2

adjective

as in civil

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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 civilian

Noun

The firefighter and civilian were treated at the scene and released. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026 While Skokie has taken the co-responder approach, Evanston dispatches a civilian-only force to respond to certain calls. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Eritrean troops fought alongside Ethiopian forces during the 2020-2022 war, which caused about 500,000 civilian deaths through violence, famine and collapsed health services, according to researchers at Ghent University in Belgium. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Last year, the EU kicked off a plan to prevent the Black Sea from becoming a Russian stronghold that includes protection for data cables and civilian ships. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilian

Noun

He wouldn’t be permitted to remain a noncombatant for very long.

— Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026
Without going into detail, both treat war as the option of last resort, both try to limit reckless destruction of life and property and both try to minimize injury to noncombatants.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Definition of noncombatant

Adjective

About 300 military personnel, police and rescue workers searched along Ensenada’s El Pipila stream Tuesday, while the Mexican Navy continued looking for the missing fishermen, state civil protection authorities said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Jamie Majerus, the civil attorney representing five surrogates suing Xuan and Zhang for fraud, has alleged in court filings that the couple also presented an attorney of their choosing to the mothers.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of civil

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“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilian. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilian

noun

adjective

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