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 Athens was a belligerent city-state that fell victim to its own aggressions. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 The ultra-wealthy city-state of Monaco on the French Riviera is no stranger to luxury hotels—fellow grand dames Hôtel de Paris and Hermitage sit at the heart of the action around Casino Square—each vying to outdo the other with fancy arrivals and impeccably discreet service. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 As conditions worsened, city-states fought over power and resources. — Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 As children, Vi and Jinx lose their parents in an abortive revolution in Zaun, and years later find themselves on opposite sides of an unfolding power struggle between the two city-states. — David Faris, TheWeek, 22 May 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
  • Purges of the state bureaucracy and judiciary followed, while Erdogan whittled away at the Turkish republic’s secular foundations with his brand of religious nationalism.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
  • Of course, the new republic was not always a haven for sober analysis.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of republic
Noun
  • Finding The Balance Between Automation And Connection The challenge for marketing leaders is using AI without handing over the keys to your brand kingdom.
    — Jenny Herbison, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The kingdom is also looking to boost its role as a regional trade and logistics hub as part of its economic diversification plan, a strategy that could threaten the UAE’s role as the Gulf’s main trading center.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of kingdom
Noun
  • The three biggest nations in men’s World Cup history were watching, not playing, in the 2026 quarterfinals.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • For a month, supporters of at least 10 different nations have come through the metro to cheer on their teams at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, attend the popular FIFA Fan Festival, try the city’s favorite barbecue and more.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • The future of Harold’s Chicken Shack empire may soon be determined by a Will County probate judge.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • In Season 2, it’s been one year since Eddie (James) and Susie (Scodelario) joined forces to work together in Bobby’s (Ray Winstone) criminal empire overseas.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of empire
Noun
  • Like previous host countries, Turkey is likely to use the summit to put its own security concerns and defense industry on the agenda.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • And, in a country struck by tragedy, this loss felt close to home.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • The duchy is overseen by a board of directors and major decisions must be approved by the Treasury.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • The Duke of Cornwall inherited the duchy in September 2022.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 5 June 2026
Definition of duchy
Noun
  • The island of Rota, part of the Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth of the United States, was dealt a devastating blow on Monday as the island was battered by Super Typhoon Bavi.
    — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 6 July 2026
  • The Pennsylvania Game Commission says the commonwealth is home to both red and gray foxes.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • Peter once ruled the small principality, and the saints’ relics rest there.
    — Diana Dukhanova, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on city-state

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about city-state

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