militant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "militant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is prepared to take drastic measures in order to achieve what they want or to describe an attitude that is strongly aggressive. For example, "The militant protesters gathered in the streets, shouting for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zawahiri emerged as the "brains" of the militant group, playing a key role in several big attacks.

The Guardian

Ahead of Jonathan's arrival, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, a former militant leader, rode through the crowds, his fist raised in the air as he sat on a black Mercedes.

The Guardian

One project considered by Bin Laden, reported in the Guardian last month, was the creation of a grand alliance of militant groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan under the umbrella of al-Qaida.

The Guardian

Bin Laden also wrote that he found the suggestion of one militant in Yemen that blades be attached to a tractor or other farm machine to create a "killing machine" in the US unacceptablee".

The Guardian

One former militant on trial in the US referred to al-Qaida (which in Arabic can also mean a maxim or method), as "a formula system", denying that it was the name of a group.

The Guardian

Thousands turned up including many families of the IRA's notoriously militant East Tyrone Brigade, some of whom were there to show they had switched allegiance away from Sinn Fein to the anti-ceasefire republican groups like the now defunct Real IRA, which has morphed into the new IRA.

The Guardian

For most gay men, it only becomes an issue when they sleep with women in the present, especially because, since homosexuality as a militant issue has waned, the word bisexuality is seen as a slur.

The Guardian - Film

It firmly sought to blame what Thatcher described as "the ultra left", specifically communists in trade unions and Trotskyists such as the Militant tendency taking over local government.

The Guardian

Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram has sworn allegiance to Islamic State, which rules a self-declared caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria, according to a video posted online.

The Guardian

Israel wants the disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza, as well as the return by Hamas of the remains of two soldiers killed in fighting.

The Guardian

At a time when militant Hindu groups are conducting a high-decibel campaign against Indian Muslim men marrying Hindu women (a practice labelled "Love Jihad"), this is not a denouement that gets the approval of the religious right.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "militant", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical aggression or strong advocacy. The term can carry negative connotations, so choose it carefully.

Common error

Overusing "militant" can make your writing sound excessively negative or biased. Opt for words like "passionate" or "dedicated" if the context doesn't involve actual aggression or violence.

Linguistic Context

The word "militant" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe individuals or groups characterized by their aggressive or combative approach to achieving specific goals. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "militant" is a commonly used adjective that describes an aggressive or combative approach to achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in the news and media. While "militant" can carry negative connotations, careful selection of synonyms like "zealous" or "activist" can help avoid unintended bias. When using "militant", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical aggression or strong advocacy. Its consistent usage across reliable sources validates its acceptability and relevance in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belligerent

Implies a state of readiness to fight or engage in aggressive behavior.

combative

Suggests a readiness to argue or fight.

aggressive

Focuses on forceful and sometimes hostile behavior.

hawkish

Describes someone who favors war or aggressive foreign policy.

zealous

Emphasizes passionate and unwavering commitment.

radical

Indicates a belief in fundamental or revolutionary change.

activist

Highlights active involvement in a cause, often political or social.

insurgent

Refers to someone who rebels against authority.

revolutionary

Suggests a desire for or involvement in radical change.

hard-line

Implies an uncompromising and inflexible position.

FAQs

How is "militant" used in a sentence?

You can use "militant" to describe groups or individuals who use aggressive or confrontational methods to achieve their goals. For example, "The "militant group" claimed responsibility for the attack."

What's the difference between "militant" and "aggressive"?

"Militant" often implies a cause or ideology behind the aggression, while "aggressive" describes a more general forceful or hostile behavior. A "militant activist" is aggressively fighting for a cause.

What are some synonyms for "militant"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "belligerent", "combative", or "zealous" as alternatives to "militant".

Is "militant" always negative?

While "militant" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with aggression and violence, it can also describe a strong, unwavering commitment to a cause, though it is rarely used in a positive way.