Synonyms of colony

colony

noun

ˈkä-lə-nē 

1

as in plantation

a settlement in a new country or region

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plantation
• outpost
• territory
• camp
• protectorate
• habitation
• diaspora
• dependency
• possession
• post
• mandate
• exclave

2

as in community

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

• community
• family
• society
• company
• circle
• band
• clique
• coterie
• set
• troop
• clan

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of colony

While more plentiful on Iceland’s Westman Islands or in Newfoundland’s Witless Bay, small colonies might be just a winding, scenic drive and a stroll away. — Alexandra Marvar, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

The new appendage lets humans using Beewise’s Beehome monitoring system remotely care for the colony without needing to go to a hive that might be up to 100 acres away from the farmhouse. — Rachel Sacks, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Although iguana colonies remain relatively stable, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) still lists them as Vulnerable due to predators, mounting pollution issues, and cyclical El Niño events. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026

Many crimes, including property crimes like burglary or moral sins such as adultery, were punishable by death in the American colonies. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026