colonial 1 of 2

Definition of colonialnext

colonial

2 of 2

noun

as in settler
a person who settles in a new region European colonials who built coffee plantations in East Africa

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 colonial
Adjective
The rest of the world comprised colonial possessions of the European states and Japan, a few large land empires, and many small principalities. Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 And the country’s colonial legacy and long seafaring history meant that, even at the beginning of the 21st century, its navy was uniquely able to take on such a role. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Noun
The diamond has since come to be seen as a symbol of colonial ⁠British ​rule by many Indians. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Yet, as throngs of people strolled the three-block downtown on a recent April weekend, past American flag streamers, patriotic bunting and red brick colonial buildings, there was scant visible evidence of that polarization. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonial
Adjective
  • Like wasps and bees, ants are social and live in a colony with one or more queens.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
  • The result can be seen in Al-Mina camp, a tent city abutting Obeid’s northern entrance that is now hosting no fewer than 49,000 people, with more coming by the day, said Mounir Ibrahim, a social researcher with the government.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • The South African government has denied persecuting the ethnic minority, composed of descendants of European settlers, mostly from the Netherlands.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 19 May 2026
  • Now, says Israel uses evidence of a historical Jewish presence in East Jerusalem to justify settlers moving in today.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Busch and his wife Samantha, were pioneers in discussing infertility and their struggle to have children before bringing son Brexton and daughter Lennix into the world.
    Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
  • The exhibition, a collaboration with Paris’s Musée Yves Saint Laurent and Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, makes the case that part of the French pioneer’s expertise included understanding the value of a good picture.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • During the Pequot War, a conflict between Connecticut colonists and the Pequot tribe, Capt.
    USA Today, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • In Ho Chi Minh City, bánh mì grew out of French colonization — the colonists brought the baguette, and Vietnamese bakers reworked it into something lighter and crispier.
    Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonial. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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