as in nations
a form of political organization in which a group of people who share the same history, traditions, or language live in a particular area under one government
the rise of European nation-states in the thirteenth century
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Recent Examples of nation-states
The United Nations, the World Trade Organization, NATO, and other post-war multilateral institutions are struggling for relevance as nation-states increasingly abandon the pursuit of the common good.
—
Time, 26 Feb. 2026
If the most fervent believers are correct, AI might one day challenge the power and sovereignty of nation-states.
—Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
With vehicles from nation-states like Russia and China, as well as private companies like Rocket Lab, SpaceX, Arianespace and others, launch costs are no longer prohibitive.
—Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
Srinivasan has also published a book arguing that such privatized, business-friendly enclaves will eventually surpass nation-states.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Organizations unintentionally create systemic weaknesses that adversaries, ranging from nation-states to hackers, are keen to exploit when privacy is neglected.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The administration has joined the Magnificent Seven tech companies, which wield greater power than most nation-states, in fighting regulatory control of artificial intelligence.
—Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Now, nation-states are beginning to dominate the sector, moving hundreds of millions or even billions in funds obtained through hacking or fraud.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Its central contention is that the world is a better place when it’s composed of distinct nation-states, each with its own individual culture and history; such societies are more stable, and achieve more, and make unique contributions to humanity as a whole.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
Time, 26 Feb. 2026
If the most fervent believers are correct, AI might one day challenge the power and sovereignty of nation-states.
—Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
With vehicles from nation-states like Russia and China, as well as private companies like Rocket Lab, SpaceX, Arianespace and others, launch costs are no longer prohibitive.
—Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
Srinivasan has also published a book arguing that such privatized, business-friendly enclaves will eventually surpass nation-states.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Organizations unintentionally create systemic weaknesses that adversaries, ranging from nation-states to hackers, are keen to exploit when privacy is neglected.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The administration has joined the Magnificent Seven tech companies, which wield greater power than most nation-states, in fighting regulatory control of artificial intelligence.
—Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Now, nation-states are beginning to dominate the sector, moving hundreds of millions or even billions in funds obtained through hacking or fraud.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Its central contention is that the world is a better place when it’s composed of distinct nation-states, each with its own individual culture and history; such societies are more stable, and achieve more, and make unique contributions to humanity as a whole.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nation-states
Noun
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Further, according to the paper, when supply tightens, richer nations outbid poorer ones for scarce shipments, exacerbating challenges for vulnerable economies.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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Spiritual Festivals in Ethiopia As one of the world’s earliest Christian nations, Ethiopia makes for quite the enigmatic travel destination.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Attacks on other Gulf states Qatar and Bahrain also came under attack, piercing the kingdoms’ polished image as luxurious havens in an unstable region.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
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But these are relatively new arrivals on Earth; all three kingdoms are less than one billion years old.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That design choice represented a radical break from the monarchies of Europe, where kings and queens had the ability to decide when to mobilize their countries to war.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
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Tehran's aim with the missile and drone fire has likely been to pressure the Gulf's monarchies to push their allies in Washington to end the war, but the Iranian calculus appears to be backfiring.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Perhaps Xi expects that an America divided at home and extended abroad will eventually recede, like history’s other overstretched empires.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
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Women entrepreneurs have built global empires and inspired many young girls and women to follow in their footsteps.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nation-states.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nation-states. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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