1
as in institutes
a public organization with a particular purpose or function
a charitable institution devoted to raising funds to feed the hungry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in fixtures
a person who has long been associated with a place or activity
an actor who has been a Broadway institution for decades
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in organizations
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest
an institution devoted to studying social problems and proposing solutions for them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of institutions
When institutions operate in a constant state of decay, crisis management replaces strategic planning, and long-term reform becomes impossible.
—
Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Negotiations intended to keep alive the M Health Fairview partnership were complex, according to those involved, in part because of the breadth of the three institutions.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2026
Stores, sports and cultural institutions closed Saturday afternoon, citing safety.
—Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
But the circumstances of his death have cast a shadow over the scientific literature, top medical institutions, and the Jamieson family for more than two decades.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The oil downturn and currency devaluation of the early 1980s shook Venezuelan society deeply, hollowing out the middle class and undermining trust in political institutions.
—Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Social science research on political violence and moral disengagement shows sustained rhetorical delegitimization of institutions increases the likelihood of real-world harm.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
This is one of the many benefits of living in Chicagoland — our great institutions offer not only sights and sounds, but also welcome us in with free days that give folks on every kind of budget the chance to experience what makes the Chicago area so special.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Negotiations intended to keep alive the M Health Fairview partnership were complex, according to those involved, in part because of the breadth of the three institutions.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2026
Stores, sports and cultural institutions closed Saturday afternoon, citing safety.
—Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
But the circumstances of his death have cast a shadow over the scientific literature, top medical institutions, and the Jamieson family for more than two decades.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The oil downturn and currency devaluation of the early 1980s shook Venezuelan society deeply, hollowing out the middle class and undermining trust in political institutions.
—Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Social science research on political violence and moral disengagement shows sustained rhetorical delegitimization of institutions increases the likelihood of real-world harm.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
This is one of the many benefits of living in Chicagoland — our great institutions offer not only sights and sounds, but also welcome us in with free days that give folks on every kind of budget the chance to experience what makes the Chicago area so special.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for institutions
Noun
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This corroborates findings from other think tanks and institutes that have tracked corporate activity since the tariffs dropped.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
20 Jan. 2026
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European Film Promotion, a network of film promotion institutes from 37 countries in Europe, has unveiled the lineup of six films taking part in its Europe!—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There are also a number of fascinating candidates who might need a couple of tries, along with returning fixtures who have been gaining momentum and could at some point hit the 75% threshold needed for election.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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Often these residents become domestic fixtures, companions more important than siblings who live across town.—
Colton Valentine,
New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The sanctions mean that affected officials and organizations will have their assets frozen, and they will be banned from traveling to Europe, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.—
SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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After billions invested in artificial intelligence initiatives, many organizations report little measurable return.—
Michael Wystrach,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Enjoy schmoozing with friends and groups.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
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Visitors to K’gari are warned to stay at least 20 meters from the animals, travel in groups, and keep children within arm’s reach.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This loss of intellectual capital, cultural wisdom and the leadership necessary to drive innovation and institutional resilience has cumulative impacts on institutions and broader societies.—
Jallicia Jolly,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Those who master its dynamics, adapt to its demands, and unlock its resources gain power within their societies.—
Walter Russell Mead,
The Atlantic,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some clerics control enormous charitable foundations worth billions of dollars through donations from followers and budgets from the state, while others operate modest local mosques with minimal resources.—
Narges Bajoghli,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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Still, her median grant size, around $5 million, according to Yield Giving data analyzed by Fortune, dwarfs that of the roughly $123,000 median grant from typical foundations, Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, told The New York Times.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Someone affiliated with national and state tax associations – with acronyms like AICPA, NAEA, NATP, NSA or NSTP – is a great sign.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The news was celebrated by hundreds of migrant rights groups and prominent Catholic associations who had campaigned and obtained 700,000 signatures for a similar initiative that was admitted for debate in Congress in 2024 but was unlikely to get enough votes to pass.—
Renata Brito,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There are terrible examples—fraternities with hazing—but also good ones.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2026
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Viewers get a glimpse into college life in the South, the history of Black marching bands, and Black fraternities and sororities.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Institutions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/institutions. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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