Martial — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈmär-shəl/ mar·tial

Meaning & Definition of Martial

Martial (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior
  2. relating to an army or to military life
  3. experienced in or inclined to war, warlike

Martial (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of, relating to, or suitable for war or a warrior

    "the marching band played The Battle Hymn of the Republic and several other martial airs"

    similar: military, soldierly
    related: aggressive, bellicose, combative, contentious, guerrilla, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike, belligerent, militant, militarist, militaristic, warring, antagonistic, argumentative, fierce, gladiatorial, hot-tempered, mercenary
    opposite: unsoldierly
    near: civil, civilian, nonmilitary, conciliatory, nonviolent, pacific, peaceable, peaceful, affable, amiable, amicable, benevolent, complaisant, cordial, easygoing, friendly, genial, good-natured, gracious, ingratiating, obliging

  2. of or relating to the armed services

    "one of the basic tenets of martial law"

    similar: military, service
    related: naval, GI, gladiatorial, mercenary, soldierly, militant, militarist, militaristic, warlike, enlisted, regular, paramilitary
    opposite: nonmilitary
    near: civil, civilian

Related Entry: Martial law (noun)

Martial law is a different word from Martial. The synonyms below are for martial law, not for martial.

  1. control of an area by military forces rather than by the police

    "The government has declared martial law throughout the city to stop the riots."

    "an area placed under martial law"

    similar: common law, act, bill, constitution, enactment, law, ordinance, statute, command, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, fiat, ruling, bylaw, ground rule, regulation, rule, amendment, legislation, blue law, prohibition, proscription, restriction, canon, capitulary, encyclical
    opposite: higher law

Related Entry: Court-martial (noun)

Court-martial is a different word from Martial. The synonyms below are for court-martial, not for martial.

  1. as in drumhead court-martial

    similar: drumhead court-martial, high court, supreme court, inquisition, kangaroo court, criminal court, judicatory, judicature, judiciary, bar, bench, court, forum, tribunal

Related Entry: Courts-martial (noun)

Courts-martial is a different word from Martial. The synonyms below are for courts-martial, not for martial.

  1. as in drumhead court-martials

    similar: drumhead court-martials, high courts, supreme courts, inquisitions, kangaroo courts, criminal courts, judicatories, judicatures, judiciaries, bars, benches, courts, forums, tribunals

Related Entry: Drumhead court-martial (noun)

Drumhead court-martial is a different word from Martial. The synonyms below are for drumhead court-martial, not for martial.

  1. as in court-martial

    similar: court-martial, high court, supreme court, inquisition, kangaroo court, criminal court, judicatory, judicature, judiciary, bar, bench, court, forum, tribunal

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Martial

The most common words with a similar meaning to Martial:

military, soldierly, service

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Martial

Words with the opposite meaning of Martial:

unsoldierly, nonmilitary

Related Words for Martial

aggressive, bellicose, combative, contentious, guerrilla, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike, belligerent, militant, militarist, militaristic, warring, antagonistic, argumentative, fierce, gladiatorial, hot-tempered, mercenary, naval, GI, enlisted, regular, paramilitary

Near Antonyms of Martial

civil, civilian, conciliatory, nonviolent, pacific, peaceable, peaceful, affable, amiable, amicable, benevolent, complaisant, cordial, easygoing, friendly, genial, good-natured, gracious, ingratiating, obliging

Word Forms of Martial

Derived words: martially (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Martial

Middle English, from Latin martialis of Mars, from Mart-, Mars

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Martial

Words & Phrases Containing Martial

martial art, martial law, court-martial, drumhead court-martial, mixed martial arts

Frequently Asked Questions about Martial

What does "Martial" mean?

"Martial" means of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Martial"?

Other words for "Martial" include military, soldierly and service. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Martial" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Martial"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Martial". Common alternatives include military, soldierly and service.

What is the opposite of "Martial"?

Antonyms of "Martial" include unsoldierly and nonmilitary. Near antonyms include civil, civilian, conciliatory and nonviolent.

How do you use "Martial" in a sentence?

Examples of "Martial" in a sentence: "the marching band played The Battle Hymn of the Republic and several other martial airs"; "one of the basic tenets of martial law".

Is "Martial" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Martial" is an adjective.

Is "Martial" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Martial" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Martial"?

"Martial" is pronounced /ˈmär-shəl/ and divided into syllables as mar·tial.