nation-state
noun
na·tion-state
ˈnā-shən-ˈstāt 
-ˌstāt
: a form of political organization under which a relatively homogeneous people inhabits a sovereign state
especially
: a state containing one as opposed to several nationalities
Examples of nation-state in a Sentence
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European nation-states made new claims on their subjects and their territory, which led to both the greater democratization of access to land and a rise in landlessness among the least powerful in society.
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Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Iran is considered one of the top four nation-state adversaries against the U.S., in addition to China, Russia and North Korea — countries that Tehran could also team up with to overcome any gaps in their cyber capabilities.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Sixty-one such conflicts were active last year, including four between nation-states, the highest number of interstate wars in over 35 years.
—Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
When Musk and other technocrats attempt to scale this approach to the sprawling, adaptive systems of nation-states and global society, its limitations become apparent.
—Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
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Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Iran is considered one of the top four nation-state adversaries against the U.S., in addition to China, Russia and North Korea — countries that Tehran could also team up with to overcome any gaps in their cyber capabilities.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Sixty-one such conflicts were active last year, including four between nation-states, the highest number of interstate wars in over 35 years.
—Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
When Musk and other technocrats attempt to scale this approach to the sprawling, adaptive systems of nation-states and global society, its limitations become apparent.
—Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nation-state
Cite this Entry
“Nation-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation-state. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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