English · Word Candidate

militant

/ˈmɪlɪtənt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: militants

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Fighting or disposed to fight; belligerent, warlike.

Adjective

Examples

The upper tiers of the foreign ministry were quick to embrace a militant policy.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Aggressively supporting of an idea, group, political or social cause, etc.; adamant, combative.

Adjective

Examples

The physiological state is not itself militant against erotic expression.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An entrenched or aggressive adherent to a particular cause, now especially a member of a particular ideological faction.

Noun

Examples

[Jim Owles] lamented the declining influence of militant organizations and tactics, stating that militants "help keep the rest of us honest," and prevent moderates from selling out.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Someone who supports the Trotskyist political view expressed in the newspaper Militant.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “militant” mean?

Fighting or disposed to fight; belligerent, warlike.

Is “militant” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.