Synonyms for

Civilians

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

Definition

Civilians are people who are not members of the military or police force.

Synonyms & similar words

serviceman civilian noncombatant commoner layperson nonprofessional amateur outsider bystander spectator observer onlooker looker-on passerby pedestrian resident citizen

Synonyms by register

Formal

non-combatants the public citizens

Informal

folks people the general populace

Literary

commoners laity

Antonyms

military soldiers combatants armed forces warriors personnel

Common collocations

  • innocent civilians
  • civilian population
  • civilian casualties
  • civilian government
  • civilian life
  • civilian clothes
  • civilian control
  • civilian workforce

Word family

noun civilian
adjective civilian

Usage note

Refers to people not actively involved in a war or conflict, or those not in the armed forces. It can also refer to someone not in a particular profession, especially the police or fire department.

Example sentences

  1. The civilians were given shelter in the community center.
  2. The police officer was there to protect the civilians.
  3. The soldiers were ordered not to harm any civilians.
  4. The civilians were relieved when the war ended.
  5. The civilians had to evacuate their homes due to the hurricane.

Quotes

  • Civilians are like beans; you buy 'em as needed for any job which merely requires skill and trust. - Robert Heinlein
  • Civilians may forget wars but soldiers never do. - Anonymous
  • The first casualty of war is always civilians. - Huey Newton

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