subnational

adjective

sub·​na·​tion·​al ˌsəb-ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl 

variants or sub-national

: existing or occurring below a national level : relating to or being a group or region within a nation

a subnational government

members of a subnational culture

Nations with differing political and economic systems are flourishing. Sub-national groups, with varied and contradictory agendas, are on the rise.

—Fareed Zakaria

Examples of subnational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This president cares little for subnational actors. — Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2025

Newsom’s actions in Brazil could act as a framework for future subnational collaboration and agreements. — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2025

The main initiatives introduced by subnational governments are the establishment of film commissions, the creation of film funds, and the building of film studios. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026

What can states accomplish in [our current political] climate with subnational diplomacy? — Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subnational

• binational
• irrational
• nonrational
• transnational
• international
• multinational
• supranational
• national
• rational