noncombatant

Definition of noncombatantnext

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 noncombatant The charges follow a military report released in 2020 that found evidence that elite Australian SAS and commando regiment troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and other noncombatants. — ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 When Machines Misfire While civilians have died on both sides of the conflict, Russia has shown a greater willingness to kill noncombatants. — Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026 After an operation, reports of harm to noncombatants would prompt an assessment or investigation to figure out what went wrong and then incorporate those lessons into training. — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Mar. 2026 If a humanoid robot malfunctions and commits a war crime or kills a noncombatant, is the software programmer or commanding officer held responsible? — Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noncombatant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noncombatant
civilian
Noun
  • Hasan, a former Army major and psychiatrist, shot and killed twelve fellow-soldiers (one of whom was pregnant) and a civilian at Fort Hood, in 2009, ahead of a deployment to Afghanistan.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Starlink is SpaceX's general satellite internet service, sold for consumer, civilian, and defense purposes, and offers internet access in remote areas where it has traditionally been limited.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noncombatant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noncombatant. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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