as in classes
one of the segments of society into which people are grouped
a member of the upper caste
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of castes
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
The term was then extended to include multiple groups outside the upper castes.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 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
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
The term was then extended to include multiple groups outside the upper castes.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 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
Noun
-
In an era when major cruise lines usually build ships in recognizable classes, repeating and refining a successful design across several vessels, that alone makes Epic unusual.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Wild Rice Retreat is a newer option in Bayfield, with activities like yoga, meditation, essential oil-blending classes, and hikes.—
Robert Annis,
Midwest Living,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Cathinone, considered to be the principal active stimulant, is structurally similar to d-amphetamine and at its highest levels when khat is harvested.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
-
Eurocamp gives players a chance to compete against different styles, different levels of physicality and prospects from all over the world.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
His involvement propelled him to the upper echelons of legal leadership.—
Diamy Wang,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
The buzz has reached further into the inner echelons of the music world, too.—
Selena Fragassi,
SPIN,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Rogen and Franco’s friendship has been a point of contention for the actor, as Rogen continues to climb the ranks in Hollywood.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
Tisch’s presence in the top ranks of his administration presented some reassurance to some of those voters.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Castes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/castes. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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