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 But all of the conch on the menu is supposed to be imported from Caribbean nations. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Both countries have floated the idea of a service fee for passage through the strait, but other Gulf nations have objected. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026 Between the mid-1940s and the construction of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, our nation embarked on one of the greatest building programs in modern history. — Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The West African nation, which was expected to receive 20 deportees, received nationals mostly from Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia, Liberian Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah told Reuters. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 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
  • Speaking to the state Transportation Commission last week in San Diego, Kosup stressed that another reason for the fenders is that Navy ships have also gotten larger since the bridge opened.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • However, the threat of taking California to the Supreme Court may be enough to bring the state’s AG Rob Bonta back to the bargaining table.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of state
Noun
  • The restrictions apply to everyone regardless of religion or nationality.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps because the Venice Biennale remains one of the few bastions in the world defending freedom of expression, regardless of geographical origin or nationality.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of nationality
Noun
  • Takaichi's remark crossed what China considers a red line in its relations with other countries about Taiwan, which is a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Now, a country shaped in part by that migration is accepting people the US wants to remove.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • The doctor then draws a hairline that matches your age, ethnicity, and facial symmetry.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The church’s origins date to the arrival of Christian missionaries in Mombasa in 1844, and its membership has long represented a diverse cross section of Kenyan society, with members of various ethnicities and social strata.
    — Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of ethnicity
Noun
  • And that is our plan here in the commonwealth now with the strictest requirements in the entire country.
    — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nine students, represented by their guardians, along with four nonprofit groups, have sued Massachusetts, saying the commonwealth had denied schoolchildren the right to an adequate education and to equal protection under the law.
    — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • Selling minority stakes in sports teams is nothing new, but the practice has become more common.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Erin Harty is among the minority of EV owners who live in multifamily housing.
    — Razak Diallo, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of minority
Noun
  • The story tracks a Chinese chef who moves to the Middle East to clear family debts by running a restaurant, only to see the venue become a community refuge when armed conflict breaks out across the region.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Before her death, several Ruston businesses participated in a fundraiser to celebrate Lillian’s birthday and donate part of their proceeds to the family, according to CNN affiliate KNOE.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • Some art experts have expressed concern that vibrations from the track construction and race itself could damage the artifacts inside.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Robinson, known for his defensive prowess, provides crucial insurance at Triple-A Gwinnett, addressing the team's need for experienced catching depth during a tight postseason race with a low-cost acquisition.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of race

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nates
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Cite this Entry

“Nation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nation

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