armed forces

plural noun

Synonyms of armed forcesnext
: the combined military, naval, and air forces of a nation

called also armed services

Synonyms of armed forces

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Examples of armed forces in a Sentence

our nation's armed forces are stationed throughout the world
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Facing China’s far larger military, which is adding advanced new weapons such as stealth-fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles, Taiwan is ramping up defense spending and modernising its armed forces. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2026 The role of president in Kosovo is largely ceremonial, though office holders do play an important role in foreign policy and serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Former political prisoner Sentsov has been serving in the Ukrainian armed forces since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, initially taking part in the defence of Kyiv and later fighting in the Donbas. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 Mexican armed forces did not detect any gunfire fired from Mexico over the border, Sheinbaum said in her morning news briefing. — Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for armed forces

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armed forces was in 1572

Rhymes for armed forces

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Browse Nearby Words

armed and dangerous
armed forces
armed guard
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Cite this Entry

“Armed forces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armed%20forces. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

armed forces

plural noun
: the military, naval, and air forces of a nation
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