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
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.
Should the welfare state extend its embrace? Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026 This trend has been coupled with a gradual shrinking of the welfare state. Miranda Sheild Johansson, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026 And while its social-welfare state was dismantled and degraded, its corporate welfare state survived and thrived, helping create the unequal metropolis Mamdani is called upon to govern. Daniel Wortel-London, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026 Continue reading … OPINION KELLY LOEFFLER – Vast network of Somali nonprofits ripped off Minnesota’s welfare state. FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 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 1 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on welfare state

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