as in to disarm
to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 demilitarize Japan was demilitarized as a condition of its surrender; all swords, even those not used as war weapons, were required to be forfeited to the Allied forces that occupied Japan until 1952. Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025 That plan would allow Israel to formally annex much of the West Bank and reject the return of Palestinian refugees, in exchange for regional investment and promises of a rump Palestinian state that would be demilitarized and lack sovereignty in any meaningful sense. Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025 Waltz also said the Trump administration will ensure Gaza is demilitarized and Hamas is destroyed. Barak Ravid, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 The multinational force in Kosovo ensured Serbian forces' withdrawal and demilitarized the Kosovo Liberation Army—while also providing security and public safety, supporting humanitarian assistance and refugee return, and coordinating with the UN's governance mission. Nir Arielli, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demilitarize

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demilitarize. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demilitarize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!