welfare state
noun
1
: a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
2
: a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system
Examples of welfare state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Europe’s borders flew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered.
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ABC News, 18 June 2026
At the time, the conservative critique of the welfare state was gaining ground across the West, not least in the United States.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
And yet, even though public spending is higher in Norway than most countries, the welfare state is considered by many to be in crisis.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
If that shortage persisted, the country’s entire welfare state would be in jeopardy.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for welfare state
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ABC News, 18 June 2026
At the time, the conservative critique of the welfare state was gaining ground across the West, not least in the United States.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
And yet, even though public spending is higher in Norway than most countries, the welfare state is considered by many to be in crisis.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
If that shortage persisted, the country’s entire welfare state would be in jeopardy.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for welfare state
Cite this Entry
“Welfare state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welfare%20state. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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