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 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 With very few exceptions, an end was declared, not only to empires, but also to city-states, duchies, principalities, emirates, sultanates, caliphates, khanates, agencies, princely states, colonies, suzerains, dependencies, mandates, tributaries, condominia and protectorates. — Literary Hub, 18 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
  • The tiny coral limestone atoll was colonized by Germany and later administered by Australia before becoming an independent republic in 1968.
    — Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • She’s seen this show before, in the 1980s, back in Slovenia, her home republic then within the socialist federation of Yugoslavia, as nationalism relentlessly championed differences over commonality and force over dialogue.
    — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 31 July 2026
Definition of republic
Noun
  • The Saudis, according to the person briefed on the substance of the call but not authorized to comment publicly, are concerned that Tehran could respond with attacks on the energy infrastructure of the kingdom and other Gulf countries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the war between Iran, the US and Israel, the Saudi kingdom had kept open channels of communication with Tehran.
    — Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of kingdom
Noun
  • All artists that were involved in the event experience gains on charts in several nations, including the United States, as well as on Billboard’s global rosters.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Every nation has the right and responsibility to secure its borders.
    — Ray Watford, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • Amara’s part of Michael Schwartz’s empire, but the chef is Maite Zarrabeitia, an Argentine who has a way with empanadas.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Meryl Streep started her family—aka, an empire of underrated creatives—with ex-husband Don Gummer at age 30, and had her youngest daughter Louisa Jacobson at 41.
    — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of empire
Noun
  • The release came as calls are growing from other countries, including Myanmar's fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for access to or engagement with Suu Kyi as part of efforts to resolve the country's political crisis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • City and country converge at this Oklahoma City carriage house, which can sleep up to four guests.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of duchy
Noun
  • Ahead of the trial, the commonwealth also filed a motion to admit audio recordings of the 911 call Patrick Clancy made after returning home and discovering his family.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • But Spanberger remains determined in her mission to deliver a more affordable commonwealth to Virginians, touting her signing of the Affordable Virginia Agenda into law in a Friday statement.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • And for her, the gala is much more than just a social event in the principality.
    — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • The June 30 attack deeply shook the discreet and ultra-wealthy principality on the Mediterranean coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of principality

Browse Nearby Words

city slickers
city-state
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Cite this Entry

“City-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/city-state. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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