colonies

Definition of coloniesnext
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

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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

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 colonies In fact, Britain had twenty-six American colonies, and only half of them rose up. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 For his part, the teenage Bezos who dreamed of creating human space colonies has lost none of his passion for the enterprise. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026 Located on the South Lawn, the new hive is designed as a miniature White House and houses two bee colonies. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 The species are highly efficient filter feeders and form dense colonies, according to the CDWF. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 May 2026 An alien invasion has forced humanity off Earth and into space colonies. George Yang, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026 More will relocate to those former French colonies in the coming months to escape hell at home, increasing the competition for jobs. Ulf Laessing, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Spring is when ants finally begin to move from their underground colonies up to the surface. Charlotte Maracina, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 In the 1600s, the Alkmaar market traded millions of pounds of cheese, exporting it throughout Europe and European colonies. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonies
Noun
  • Because sugar plantations were so large and enslaved populations were so preponderant, whites feared that any tumult would end with their heads on pikes.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Pinot Noir plantations only account for about 14,000 acres and rank as the number two grape grown.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • These are trade-offs that can be negotiated, at both the local and national levels, to benefit our communities.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • This honor celebrates Domingo’s career as an actor and filmmaker, along with his work to champion underrepresented communities.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The flagship, one of the brand’s most grandest European outposts and Tiffany’s largest in Europe, is rare to opens its doors for productions, making the cameo a notable moment.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
  • In December, opposition forces backing Machar seized military outposts in Jonglei state.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonies. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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