as in settler
a person who settles in a new region
over time the colonists began to sense that they were becoming a people unto themselves
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of colonist
During the Pequot War, a conflict between Connecticut colonists and the Pequot tribe, Capt.
—
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
Arjun is part of Echelon IV, tasked with determining what happened to the colonists.
—Gieson Cacho, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2026
Dawson rejects the belief that the colonists were never really lost.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for colonist
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
Arjun is part of Echelon IV, tasked with determining what happened to the colonists.
—Gieson Cacho, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2026
Dawson rejects the belief that the colonists were never really lost.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for colonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonist
Noun
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Many of these settlers’ descendants still live in Fredericksburg.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
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One story states that Julius Mackie Washington Masingill, an early settler, then suggested naming the office after the hickory trees that grew in abundance in the area.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 May 2026
Noun
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He's considered one of the planet’s most versatile watermen, with accolades that include eight-time stand-up paddle world champion, hydrofoil pioneer, and big-wave master.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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That’s often the case — the pioneer may get the credit, but the first follower gets the glory.—
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson,
VIBE.com,
7 June 2026
Noun
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When the French government that succeeded Napoleon grudgingly recognized Haitian independence in 1825, however, Haiti had to pay a heavy indemnity to the former colonial slaveholders, a burden that slowed the country’s economic development.—
Jeremy D. Popkin,
The Conversation,
28 May 2026
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Outside, there’s a private patio with stone walls, lush greenery and a colonial feel to the place.—
Mike Klingaman,
Baltimore Sun,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Colonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonist. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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