protectorate

as in territory
a small country that is controlled and protected by a larger one

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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 protectorate Within 35 years, virtually the entire continent, only a few patches excepted, was made up of European colonies or protectorates. Adam Hochschild, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018 In 1815, Monaco became a Sardinian protectorate before receiving independence once again in 1861. Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 Mar. 2025 Elon Musk's assault on the federal government has supercharged Tesla's evolution from liberal status symbol to pride-of-MAGA protectorate. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025 De jure and de facto European protectorates, such as China, Egypt, Tunisia, and the Ottoman Empire, belonged to the gray zone of states that were nominally independent but in reality were under the thumb of European powers. Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022 See All Example Sentences for protectorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protectorate
Noun
  • The four-day military clash between India and Pakistan was the most expansive fighting in half a century between the two nuclear-armed countries, with the skies lighting up night after night along the vast boundary dividing them and deep inside their territories.
    Agnes Chang, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Here’s a truly global company adapting its marketing strategy to suit different audiences in different territories with different tastes.
    Tim Wragg, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In fact, Moody’s was quite clear that Maryland’s future unfunded mandates were the main cause.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2025
  • Modernisation and the government mandate for all-seater stadia in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 have led to a significant reduction in capacity.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The unit is eco-friendly and energy-efficient, helping to reduce both power usage and chemical dependency.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The dependency problem arises in any group with falling population, regardless of government programs.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protectorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protectorate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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