Synonyms for

Civilian

Verb / sʌˈvɪljʌn / Another word for civilian — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who is not in the military or police force.

Synonyms & similar words

serviceman military citizen noncombatant layperson commoner nonprofessional outsider stranger novice beginner amateur greenhorn rookie neophyte tyro newcomer fledgling

Synonyms by register

Formal

non-military layperson private citizen

Informal

regular person everyday person non-combatant

Literary

commoner layman

Antonyms

military soldier combatant armed officer warrior

Common collocations

  • civilian casualties
  • civilian population
  • civilian clothes
  • civilian life
  • civilian government
  • civilian control
  • civilian aircraft

Word family

noun civilian
adjective civilian

Usage note

Often used in contrast to military personnel or in contexts of conflict or emergency. Can also refer to someone not belonging to a particular profession or group.

Example sentences

  1. The police officer helped the civilian cross the street.
  2. My dad used to be in the army, but now he's a civilian.
  3. Most people in the world are civilians.
  4. The soldier missed his family and couldn't wait to become a civilian again.
  5. The civilian was grateful for the help he received from the military.

Quotes

  • "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." - Douglas MacArthur
  • "There is no higher calling than serving others. He who seeks to serve is of all the great." - David O. McKay
  • "I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight. " - George S. Patton

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