natives

Definition of nativesnext
plural of native
1
as in residents
a usually longtime resident of a locality the natives seem to resent the summer tourists even though they depend upon them for their livelihood

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2
as in aborigines
a member of the first people to inhabit a region the anthropologist spent two years living among the island's natives and observing and documenting their customs and traditions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 natives One of the natives that thrived was red buckeye (Aesculus pavia). Campbell Vaughn, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is in full bloom, and water excursions like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are also especially pleasant at this time of year, even if the water’s a bit chilly, at least to natives. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026 Legal immigrants are 74% less likely to be incarcerated than natives. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026 Even as stablecoins gain popularity, Aaron Marks and Joseph Hayes believe the technology is still primarily used by crypto natives and people in emerging markets. Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 Ohio natives Laila Edwards and Gwyneth Philips could win gold for Team USA hockey. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Feb. 2026 Planted in swaths on the hillside is a mix of lavenders, plus sages and other California natives. Christine Lennon, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026 As several Missouri natives and a Kansas City native compete in the games, United States Olympians Ken Morrow and Mirai Nagasu shared their enthusiasm and Olympic memories at a meet and greet in downtown KC on Tuesday. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026 California natives, the two shared more cultural touchstones from early YouTube and Reddit than life on the West Coast. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for natives
Noun
  • The program is one of several that Mama’s Kitchen offers for San Diego residents with HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other critical illnesses.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Above the Bio Barray mansions is a reservoir providing 90% of the water for Freetown residents.
    ED DAVEY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As a result, its inhabitants are going hungry.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • One interesting question is how children born and raised on Mars would view their relationship to Earth and its inhabitants.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Many locals stopped by to get their regular fix of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-award-winning tacos served on their signature handmade blue corn tortillas.
    Andrés Soto, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Today, the tables are usually filled to capacity with locals and their families (especially during Sunday brunch) who’ve come to enjoy Barfield’s take on Southern cuisine.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Natives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/natives. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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