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
  • In tiny San Marino, the American pope praises a republic built on freedom and mutual respect, calling it a ‘laboratory of good politics’ that defends human dignity.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The Dandolo family was present at the origins of Venice and played a presiding role as the republic’s early history took shape.
    — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of republic
Noun
  • At the same time, the kingdom’s Cultural Development Fund has earmarked fashion and beauty as priority sectors.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The kingdom is starting with its underserved second-tier cities, which are often in areas that attract year-round tourism because of their cooler climate.
    — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of kingdom
Noun
  • And since January, nearly 900 asylum claimants have been sent back to the US after being deemed ineligible under the Safe Third Country Agreement between the two nations, Cameron said.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The gold mine collapse was the latest mining disaster in the mineral-rich Central African nation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • His meteoric rise ultimately puts him in the sights of Brazil’s Federal Police, culminating in a major operation that brings his empire crashing down, all before the age of 17.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Founded in 1960 in Rehoboth Beach, Grotto Pizza has since grown into an empire with 16 locations around the state.
    — USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of empire
Noun
  • Takaichi's remark crossed what China considers a red line in its relations with other countries about Taiwan, which is a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Now, a country shaped in part by that migration is accepting people the US wants to remove.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 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
  • And that is our plan here in the commonwealth now with the strictest requirements in the entire country.
    — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nine students, represented by their guardians, along with four nonprofit groups, have sued Massachusetts, saying the commonwealth had denied schoolchildren the right to an adequate education and to equal protection under the law.
    — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • Hard Rock Stadium is now Formula 1’s annual principality while JPMorgan Chase’s expanding South Florida presence mirrors the region’s growing luxury-car economy.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The principality is traditionally conservative and in 1984 became the last European country to grant women the right to vote in national elections.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on city-state

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