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
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Recent Examples of castes
The Ramayana has hundreds of versions — across states, dialects, castes.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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
They were designed to help the backward castes under the untouchables and so forth, and then expanded to some other groups.
—Ananya Vajpeyi, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2016
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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
They were designed to help the backward castes under the untouchables and so forth, and then expanded to some other groups.
—Ananya Vajpeyi, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for castes
Noun
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This picture is one of a few taken at cotillion, a largely Southern tradition of etiquette classes and formal dance instruction for middle schoolers.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
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Sheholds court over the cooking classes held in a private room at the Eldridge neighborhood location in West Houston.—
Stacey Zable,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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From the ways in which games are developed to hacks for completing levels, Tan said the technology's ramifications across the sector can't be overstated.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
1 Nov. 2025
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As lawmakers and top officials at the federal and state levels attempt to shift blame, the shutdown is poised to upend social services across the country.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Grey typically isn’t a colour associated with fun, but the background, lettering, stripe down the middle and sleeve design, have defied logic to propel the Raiders into the higher echelons of these rankings.—
Ajay Rose,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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Few things are more luxurious than a cashmere sweater, but the luscious fabric isn’t reserved solely for the upper echelons of society.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Timberwolves fans have generated one of the NBA’s loudest home-court environments to coincide with Minnesota’s ascension up the Western Conference ranks.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
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Longtime Mumford & Sons fans know that the group, when operating as a whole, has remained largely insular over the years, rarely venturing outside of their ranks for collaborative efforts under their singular moniker.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Castes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/castes. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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