Thesaurus

national

Q: How is the word 'national' distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and subject are common synonyms of national . While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state. // American nationals working in the Middle East

Q: When can 'citizen' be used instead of 'national'?

The synonyms citizen and national are sometimes interchangeable, but citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people. // the rights of a free citizen

Q: In what contexts can 'subject' take the place of 'national'?

The words subject and national can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch. // the king's subjects

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of national

(Entry 1 of 2)

of or relating to a nation

played the home team's national anthem before the start of the soccer game

Synonyms for national

civil,
public

Words Related to national

nationwide

Near Antonyms for national

Antonyms for national

nonnational

national

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of national (Entry 2 of 2)

a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it

recommended that foreign nationals living in the region evacuate immediately

Synonyms for national

Words Related to national

Near Antonyms for national

Antonyms for national

Frequently Asked Questions About national

How is the word national distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and subject are common synonyms of national. While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state.

American nationals working in the Middle East

When can citizen be used instead of national?

The synonyms citizen and national are sometimes interchangeable, but citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.

the rights of a free citizen