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nation

noun

ˈnā-shən How to pronounce nation (audio)
Definition of nationnext
1
as in state
a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government the American people became one nation when they adopted the Constitution in 1789

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in nationality
a people having a common language, culture, and body of traditions an international organization dedicated to upholding the basic human rights of people from all nations

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 nation The answer to our nation’s physician shortage crisis is to fully open the doors to residency for all qualified candidates, not to close the door on those who choose the osteopathic pathway. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026 The plan would let migrants ordered to leave Europe be sent not to their home countries but to facilities in third nations, with African states such as Rwanda under discussion. — Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The African nation beat Senegal in overtime in the 15th place game in the 2010 tournament. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Google possesses a virtual monopoly on global search data, massive infrastructure margins, and a treasury larger than the GDP of many nations. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nation
  1. state
  2. nationality
  3. country
  4. ethnicity
  5. commonwealth
  6. minority
  7. family
  8. race
Noun
  • Singapore pays its political leaders high salaries to attract talent and deter graft, but the issue is thorny in the city-state, where the median wage worker made S$5,775 ($736) a month in 2025.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Those are notable numbers for Turek in a state dominated by the GOP for the past decade; Turek has an edge among independent voters and a positive favorability rating compared to Hinson, who is viewed more negatively.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of state
Noun
  • Recent incidents drawing public scrutiny in Thailand have involved tourists of several nationalities, but one of the highest profile cases was of an Israeli tourist who was convicted of threatening a zoo owner and then deported.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • These datasets include, among dozens of other fields, case outcome, respondent birth year, nationality and primary language, relief applied for, and if the most recent proceeding was an in absentia hearing.
    — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of nationality
Noun
  • Many higher-income countries, though challenged by the disruption, have cushioned the blow by tapping strategic reserves or using their financial and political clout to secure emergency supplies.
    — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Bridgespan’s report finds that families in middle-income countries are more likely to administer their own programs than those in higher-income countries.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • On that day, Americans did not first ask one another about religion, ethnicity, race, or background.
    — Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Race and ethnicity data are essential for researchers who gauge discrimination, crime rates and wealth gaps in communities of color.
    — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of ethnicity
Noun
  • The commonwealth of Massachusetts now has to decide whether to retry Clancy or offer her a plea deal.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Sandusky’s trial produced shocking testimony from other victims The shadow of Penn State’s influence in this borough in the center of the commonwealth continues to hang over the case.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • That was two years ago in neighboring Thuringia, where a CDU governor took power with a minority government, but against a regional AfD that was well short of a majority.
    — Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • By contrast, Nixon is a clear loud voice against the establishment, big corporations and billionaires and for working people, the poor and minorities.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of minority
Noun
  • Grooming remains one of the biggest threats facing children and families, according to Jenkins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Bridgespan’s report finds that families in middle-income countries are more likely to administer their own programs than those in higher-income countries.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • On that day, Americans did not first ask one another about religion, ethnicity, race, or background.
    — Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026
  • This track, though labeled as a street course, has no maintenance holes or drain covers like the kind that plagued the Las Vegas race debut in 2023.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of race

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nates
nation
national
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Cite this Entry

“Nation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nation. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nation

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