welfare state

noun

Synonyms of welfare statenext
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
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This is more typical of European societies with traditions of a strong welfare state, where institutions such as public service broadcasting and press subsidy systems are justified in these terms. Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Critics question whether billionaires would support the massive redistribution needed to fund an AI welfare state. Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post, 22 May 2026 Continue reading … WILLIAM BENNETT — California's welfare state is a fraud machine. FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 Only the return to a lower-tax state that embraces free markets and eschews a massive welfare state can stop the bleeding. Adam B. Summers, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for welfare state

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of welfare state was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Welfare state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welfare%20state. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

welfare state

noun
: a social system in which the government takes on much of the responsibility for the individual and group welfare of its people

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