expats

plural of expat, chiefly British
as in refugees
a person forced to emigrate for political reasons a network of expats in London keeps her from missing the family she left behind

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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 expats Three Myths About The Streamlined Program Even expats who learn the program exists often hesitate, usually because of three myths. Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Dubai’s population has surpassed its prewar level, countering the narrative that the Iran conflict would drive out the city’s expats. semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Wallet is worth purchasing, especially for customers who are expats or frequently travel internationally. Catherine Collins, USA Today, 26 July 2026 Ericeira Ericeira has long been a favorite town among American expats. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026 More broadly, Iran’s attacks have also punctured confidence and security in the Gulf, disrupting tourism and air travel in a key global transport node, and prompting some expats to flee. Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expats
refugees
Noun
  • Its floors filled with bunk beds, a prison and hospital, all deep underground, have been repurposed over the years as overflow housing for refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless.
    Rob Schmitz, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Steven Spielberg’s personal masterpiece is the saga of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish refugees in Poland during the Holocaust.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expats. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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