nation

noun

ˈnā-shən How to pronounce nation (audio)
Definition of nationnext
1
as in state
a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government the American people became one nation when they adopted the Constitution in 1789

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in nationality
a people having a common language, culture, and body of traditions an international organization dedicated to upholding the basic human rights of people from all nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nation Some are questioning how long Chancellor Kamar Samuels is going to be running our nation’s largest school system. — Lincoln Restler, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026 The World Cup is being hosted jointly by the three North American nations for the first time. — ABC News, 18 July 2026 Moreover, in recognition of the fact that a person not a nation actually directs the film, the director’s name and not the country’s will be engraved for posterity on the statuette plaque. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 The European Union is giving five nations in the Eastern Caribbean two years to end their lucrative citizenship-by-investment programs or lose visa-free travel to the bloc, their leaders say. — Widlore Mérancourt, Washington Post, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nation
  1. state
  2. nationality
  3. country
  4. ethnicity
  5. commonwealth
  6. minority
  7. family
  8. race
Noun
  • Keegan had only resigned from Newcastle in January, leaving Tyneside in a state of despair.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Moving too much water from a basin can negatively affect downstream environments, which is why large transfers need state review before approval.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of state
Noun
  • Forty of the 48 national teams have at least one player born in another country, with nearly 300 holding dual nationality.
    — the Monitor’s Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
  • Based on the ancient Hindu epic, the film was originally produced by Brook with screenwriters Jean-Claude Carrière and Marie-Hélène Estienne, and features an international cast drawn from 16 nationalities.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
Definition of nationality
Noun
  • The tapestry of nationalities that make up this country were able to support their teams in the greatest sporting event on Earth.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • After 104 games across three countries over five and a half weeks, the 23rd edition of the men’s World Cup was down to its closing stages.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • Conservative commentators including Matt Walsh argued the film prioritized identity politics, echoing past fan criticisms of sci-fi and fantasy reboots that cast Black and Latino actors as beloved characters of a different race or ethnicity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • Saadeh, who is of Palestinian descent, told CBS New York the shirt was intended to advocate for children and oppose violence regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of ethnicity
Noun
  • Her campaign has centered on supporting farmers, expanding Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry, and portraying Shapiro as a career politician more focused on a future White House bid than on leading the commonwealth.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026
  • Virginia’s overall power grid is strained, due in part to the commonwealth’s embrace of data centers.
    — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • Epstein currently holds a minority ownership stake in the Boston Red Sox and serves as a senior advisor to Fenway Sports Group.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The combination of forces that was meant to benefit minority communities has had an opposite and devastating effect.
    — Ronald J. Allen, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of minority
Noun
  • The Lee family is mourning Yip Pik Yi, 65; Lee Chun Man, 44; Yan Yan, 15 months; and Erawati, 34, a domestic worker from Indonesia.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Every day, Cord Shiflet drives 200 miles round trip from Austin, helping survivors tell their stories, connecting them with resources and raising more than $50,000 for affected families through Facebook.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • In the 2010s, both Theresa May and Boris Johnson became prime minister after winning Conservative leadership races when their predecessors resigned midterm.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Heading into the final weekend of the tournament, Messi led the Golden Boot race over talented players far younger, tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe at eight goals, but holding the edge with four assists to three.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of race

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nates
nation
national
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Cite this Entry

“Nation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nation. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nation

Nglish: Translation of nation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nation

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