national 1 of 2

Definition of nationalnext
as in federal
of or relating to a nation played the home team's national anthem before the start of the soccer game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

national

2 of 2

noun

as in citizen
a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it recommended that foreign nationals living in the region evacuate immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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 national
Adjective
Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain — more to the point, riskier. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 Because accreditation is directly tied to federal funding and professional licensing pipelines, any sustained conflict between Florida and national accreditors could carry high stakes for state universities, medical schools and students alike. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was arraigned in federal court in Washington and entered a not-guilty plea. February 4, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Shovgi Huseynov, an Azerbaijani national, has been a researcher at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences since 2022. Muri Assuncao, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for national
Recent Examples of Synonyms for national
Adjective
  • Another measure, House Bill 1645, would create state versions of FEMA programs as Mississippi officials prepare for reduced federal disaster support.
    ALEX ROZIER Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Generally, the judges who’ve released detainees say the federal government is wrongly arguing that a statute that historically applied to migrants caught at the border can be applied to anyone seeking to gain legal status to remain in the United States.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some believe the ouster of strongman leader Nicolás Maduro offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding institutions and guaranteeing citizens’ rights.
    CNN 9 hr ago, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Keogh said that access is a security worry because people in the indictment include citizens of communist China, an American rival.
    Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Israel has repeatedly demanded the complete disarmament and dismantling of Hamas and its infrastructure, both military and civil.
    Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Her analysis further suggests that a sanctions-relief agreement that leaves Iran’s broader capabilities intact could stabilize the regime at a moment of internal pressure while preserving its military leverage.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Composer and sound designer Christopher Kriz’s transitional music amplifies Hedda’s restless internal state with electric guitar and drums backed by a relentless, clock-like beat.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Kitty is taken in by Beth in part because receiving assistance from the municipal housing office could take years.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The bill would also preempt any municipal zoning restrictions or ordinances that are not consistent with local zoning requirements and regulations.
    Jake Ramsey, Oklahoma Watch, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • AutoFlight has unveiled Matrix, a five-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and completed a public full-transition flight at its low-altitude test center.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Meanwhile, democratic socialist Rae Huang is running against the mayor from her political left on public safety, housing and other issues, appearing at one point with podcaster Hasan Piker.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • State television in recent days has routinely encouraged people to chant pro-government slogans accompanied by fireworks across the city, an annual ritual in the country.
    JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Ease of setting up, supportive regulatory frameworks, and e-government services and platforms that offer low-friction entry points and streamlined visa and licensing processes have made Dubai a first choice for dynamic businesses.
    Abdulla Belhoul, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“National.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/national. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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