# militaristic

/ˌmɪɫɪtɝˈɪstɪk/ (US) · /mˌɪlɪtɑːɹˈɪstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/militaristic
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

believing that war and a strong army are good, and wanting your country to use power or fighting to solve problems.

For teachers: Favouring the use of military force and glorifying martial values in politics and society. Often describes governments, policies, or cultures that prioritise military strength over diplomacy.

## Examples

- They oppose the country's militaristic policies and want peace.
- The newspaper criticised the leader's militaristic speech for praising war instead of talks.
- Historians argue that the regime's militaristic parades and school textbooks normalised conquest for a generation.

## Synonyms

warlike, hawkish

## Antonyms

dovish

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.