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castes

noun

plural of caste
as in classes
one of the segments of society into which people are grouped a member of the upper caste

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 castes Tulu society is organized into several castes and communities, including Billavas, Shivalli Brahmins, Bunts, and Mogaveeras. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026 Subterranean, drywood and dampwood, the three most common types of termites in the United States, all have reproductive castes capable of flying in swarms. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Today, many non-Hindus in India, including Muslims, Christians, Jains and Buddhists, also identify with certain castes. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026 So, there’s no political parties, there’s no races, and there’s no religions, but there are these two groups that are almost like castes. — Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025 The Ramayana has hundreds of versions — across states, dialects, castes. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 India’s privileged castes hold a disproportionate share of its wealth. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2025 If found guilty, these men could face harsher punishments under Indian laws designed to protect disadvantaged castes. — Esha Mitra, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025 Civil confrontations invariably cross classes and castes, bringing together people from radically different social cohorts while separating seemingly natural allies. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for castes
  1. classes
  2. levels
  3. echelons
  4. ranks
Noun
  • Credit counseling organizations also offer free or low-cost classes and programs addressing topics like bankruptcy, credit card debt, mortgages, foreclosure, student loans and small business loans.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Yoga classes and open-air cinema nights are also held in this appealing rooftop space.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of classes
Noun
  • And such actions must begin at the highest levels of government.
    — Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, medical guidelines typically recommend testosterone for men who report symptoms — including low libido and depressed mood — and have two blood tests confirming low levels of the hormone.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of levels
Noun
  • The pattern has been skewed by higher incomes collected by those in the higher echelons of wage workers, like corporate chief executives, entertainers and professional athletes.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • From students like York all the way to the upper echelons of the Republican Party, Kirk's death was seen as a call to action.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of echelons
Noun
  • Socialists are counting on the promise of a society where all needs are met by a benevolent government to convert voters to their ranks.
    — Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Having another Ballon d’Or winner in their ranks, the first since Messi left for Inter Miami, helped the French side add another layer of prestige in a calendar year that changed everything at the Parc des Princes.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of ranks

Browse Nearby Words

caste
castes
castigate
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Cite this Entry

“Castes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/castes. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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