police 1 of 2

noun

Definition of policenext
1
as in law
the department of government that keeps order, fights crime, and enforces statutes the appearance of a ransom note meant that the teenager's disappearance was now a matter for the police

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in constabulary
a body of officers of the law the National Guard will serve as backup for the metropolitan police in the event of violent protests

Synonyms & Similar Words

police

2 of 2

verb

as in to control

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 police
Noun
Since the tournament began, police have declared unlawful assemblies twice, including late July 5, when a crowd began throwing bottles at officers. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 According to the attorney’s office, the victim’s mother met with Villanueva over the dental exam abuse, after which Villanueva did not report the incident to police, violating Arizona’s Mandatory Reporting law. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Verb
Two separate complaints to police in Hartford culminated late last month in an opposing opinion that was part of the police investigation, according to a June 25 incident report. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 Trump has accused vandals of ruining the pool, and redirected officers to police the area. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for police
Recent Examples of Synonyms for police
  1. law
  2. constabulary
  3. control
  4. operate
  5. regulate
  6. conduct
  7. govern
  8. manage
Noun
  • The materials prompted an investigation into whether Mission Regional Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center violated state or federal law.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2026
  • With the ruin of Troy also came the desecration of Zeus’ law, which proved dangerous to the returning Ithacans.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Several British constabularies have added EVs to their fleets for urban policing duties, often using models such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3.
    — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The local constabulary said the British Transport Police was leading the investigation.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Definition of constabulary
Verb
  • Tate’s case previously included three counts of rape, four counts of actual bodily harm, two counts of human trafficking and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 July 2026
  • As for possible problems; a common Jeep issue is the smart fuse box—TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module)—which controls many aspects of the electrical system, including when various modules shut down after the key is turned off.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of control
Verb
  • The aircraft is operated by the private charter division of Qatar Airways, a World Cup sponsor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which operates the hub off Russia’s Black Sea coast, said two tankers had been hit and that oil loading has been stopped.
    — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of operate
Verb
  • Both companies are betting that medicines modeled on human GLP-1 drugs can help regulate appetite in pets, and top-line results of their clinical trials are expected to be released later this year.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in sleep and supports muscle relaxation.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • While rumors initially claimed ICE was targeting fans, OutKick confirmed at the time that the personnel was actually California Border Control agents conducting routine operations unrelated to local sweeps.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of conduct
Verb
  • Hopkinson and chief financial officer Simon Capper visited Nyon, Switzerland, on multiple occasions, while the CEO also spoke to governing-body representatives in Budapest before the Champions League final in May.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • But Khamenei has remained hidden from public view, neither addressing the nation directly nor visibly asserting his authority, even as officials negotiate or govern in his name.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of govern
Verb
  • For more advice on how to manage awkward conversations at family parties, click here.
    — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 18 July 2026
  • Joe McCarthy carried the ball strongly and Josh van der Flier went close before McCarthy managed to drive over the line.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of manage

Phrases Containing police

Browse Nearby Words

polestars
police
police action
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Cite this Entry

“Police.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/police. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on police

Nglish: Translation of police for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about police

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