as in democracy
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation when asked by a passerby what sort of government the constitutional convention had formulated for the new nation, Benjamin Franklin memorably replied, "A republic, if you can keep it"

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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 republic An independent press that holds the powerful to account, exposes injustice and corruption and platforms a diverse range of voices is foundational to our republic. Jennifer Brett, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 President Trump denounced reports that his administration is weighing a $30 billion deal with Iran that would allow for the development of civilian nuclear facilities — days after Trump said a deal with the Islamic republic may not be necessary. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 28 June 2025 The ignorant need cultural immersion at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, which tells the story of those who fled the Cuban island that went from a free, prosperous republic to an oppressive, impoverished dictatorship within a single generation. Luka Ladan, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025 France has meandered through five republics and two empires. The Editors, National Review, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for republic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for republic
democracy
Noun
  • Aside from the most ardent Bolsonaro loyalists, Brazilians—regardless of ideology—don't take kindly to foreign leaders telling them how to run their democracy.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • The standoff may extend longer than other US-Latin America disputes, one expert noted: Brazil’s president may view the dispute as profitable politically, many Brazilians think the case could define the country’s democracy, and Brasília has little reason to capitulate quickly.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 10 July 2025

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“Republic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/republic. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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