city-state

noun

Definition of city-statenext
as in republic
a state that has its own government and consists of a city and the area around it the city-states of ancient Greece

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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 city-state Amina Formidable Queen Amina ruled the Hausa city-state of Zazzau (now in Nigeria) in the 16th century. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 9 Sep. 2026 This story covers a range of topics, including mall redevelopment, mansion sales, unaffordable housing and city-state litigation. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2026 Just as oil money transformed and modernized the Gulf into city-states of gleaming skyscrapers, centuries of wine money have polished this rural corner of Burgundy into an agri-luxury oasis. — George Nelson For Artnews, Robb Report, 9 July 2026 The joint city-state Bus Action Plan also commits the MTA to improving bus maintenance across the fleet. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for city-state
Recent Examples of Synonyms for city-state
  1. republic
  2. kingdom
  3. nation
  4. empire
  5. country
  6. duchy
  7. commonwealth
  8. principality
Noun
  • On November 9 Germany became a republic, and Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Occasionally eyebrows have been raised and tongues have clucked, as when Nancy Reagan splashed out on new china, but a simple and sober aesthetic has been maintained, as befits a democratic republic.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of republic
Noun
  • Since then, Saudi Arabia has regularly bombed Houthi positions, while the group has expanded its attacks against the oil-rich kingdom.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline proved to be a crucial lifeline, both for energy markets and the kingdom’s financial health, as did Abu Dhabi’s pipeline to Fujairah.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of kingdom
Noun
  • Like other Mediterranean nations, Turkey faces mounting risks from heat waves, drought, water scarcity, wildfires and flooding.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • No man has scored more or made more appearances for his nation.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • The collectible empire PSA sits within a larger collectibles business.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • His horticultural business, Flamingo, became one of Kenya's most successful, providing the foundation for what would become the Hemingways hospitality empire.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of empire
Noun
  • This raised concerns that European countries might be sidelined in negotiations over their own security.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Delegates are expected to focus on carrying out existing climate pledges, expanding renewable energy and helping poorer countries adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather.
    — Suzan Fraser, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • If Jeopardy asks about a European duchy, the European duchy is going to be Luxembourg.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Louise Haigh will take on the role of Chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, First Secretary of State and Cabinet Office Minister.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 July 2026
Definition of duchy
Noun
  • Scroll down to see General Assembly results from across the commonwealth.
    — Laura Fay, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Tappahannock is in the eastern part of Virginia's 1st Congressional District, where the race between long-time Republican incumbent Rob Wittman and Democrat Shannon Taylor, the commonwealth's attorney for Henrico County, has been tight.
    — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • The journey, which will become a regular addition to the train's annual schedule, will take passengers through some of the most spectacular scenery along the French Riviera before arriving in the glamorous principality.
    — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Fontvieille, Monaco Monaco has been home base for Verstappen since 2015, and for years the driver rented a high-end apartment in Fontvieille, the waterfront neighborhood tucked along the principality’s western edge.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of principality

Browse Nearby Words

city slickers
city-state
city-states
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Cite this Entry

“City-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/city-state. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on city-state

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about city-state

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