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 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 Athens was a belligerent city-state that fell victim to its own aggressions. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 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
  • Today, however, the twin-island republic is entering a new phase in which energy remains fundamental while investment, infrastructure development and diversification are becoming increasingly important.
    — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Alexey Tsydenov, head of the neighboring Buryatia republic, publicly confirmed her death was linked to a plague infection before quietly editing his statement hours later to use more ambiguous phrasing.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of republic
Noun
  • The attack — the latest of several in the last week on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh — is expected to increase Saudi pressure on allies including the United States to provide military support for the kingdom.
    — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The attack — the latest of several in the past week on King Khalid International Airport that killed four people — is expected to increase Saudi pressure on allies including the United States to provide military support for the kingdom.
    — Samy Magdy, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of kingdom
Noun
  • Gone are the four nations, corresponding to the elements, who coexisted in harmony that was disrupted and then, episode by episode, restored.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Like many issues in public health, cost and red tape within the health care system are factors in our nation’s lack of progress.
    — Philip A. Chan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • The first two seasons chart the rise of legendary early 19th century Zulu King Shaka, his brilliant battlefield strategy and struggle to unite Zulu tribes under his empire.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Ultra’s contraptions are part of a growing robot empire taking over the country’s warehouse and logistics operations.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of empire
Noun
  • The country currently exports about 80% of its electricity to other Asian countries like Thailand, China, and Singapore.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • International funding, Patil says, means long waits, complicated contracts and co-production treaties, and Indian filmmakers end up chasing the same grants as professionals from wealthier countries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 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
  • Months later, in July 2025, Shapiro announced Amazon would invest $20 billion in an AI buildout in Pennsylvania, the largest capital investment in the commonwealth’s history.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors for the commonwealth of Massachusetts must now decide whether to retry Clancy.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • 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
  • There was another hint — this one visible to more than just a select few people — when Mas and his Spanish team descended on another principality, Monaco, for the race’s start.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about city-state

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