Synonyms of colonies

colonies

noun

plural of colony

1

as in plantations

a settlement in a new country or region

the early history of New York City when it was a Dutch colony

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plantations
• outposts
• territories
• camps
• protectorates
• habitations
• possessions
• diasporas
• dependencies
• posts
• exclaves
• mandates

2

as in communities

a group of people with a common interest living in one place

New Hampshire's MacDowell colony was founded as a summer residence for writers and composers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• communities
• families
• societies
• companies
• troops
• circles
• coteries
• cliques
• bands
• sets
• clans

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of colonies

As Jefferson’s opponents criticized him for sanctioning intervention and neglecting to free the prisoners, his supporters lashed out at the opposing Federalist Party for allegedly orchestrating a rebellion in Spain’s colonies in the first place. — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026

The Ile-de-France region, which includes Paris, is home to large communities of working-class immigrants from the country’s former colonies. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Hornets like to build nests beneath eaves because the sheltered space protects their colonies from the elements. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026

Reducing honeydew sources can make an area less attractive to ant colonies. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026

During the Revolutionary War, General Washington worried that British troops were stockpiling weapons and ammunition in the fort and preparing to attack northern colonies. — Lane Degregory, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Stagnant bodies of water, such as air conditioners and cooling towers, are especially at risk of developing Legionella colonies. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Robert Morris migrated from England to the American colonies as a teenager and established himself in the mercantile industry. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

The original design featured 13 stripes representing the colonies and 13 stars arranged in a circle to symbolize equality among them. — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026