commonwealth

noun

ˈkä-mən-ˌwelth How to pronounce commonwealth (audio)
Definition of commonwealthnext
as in state
a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government laws that will benefit all the citizens of the commonwealth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 commonwealth Health officials have said Kentucky is experiencing the largest measles outbreak reported in the commonwealth since 1991. — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Sep. 2026 Shortly after her arrival at her grandmother’s, in 1900, Australia transforms from six British colonies into a single, largely self-governing commonwealth. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026 Sandusky’s trial produced shocking testimony from other victims The shadow of Penn State’s influence in this borough in the center of the commonwealth continues to hang over the case. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026 Republican Michael Zimmerman was elected Campbell County commonwealth’s attorney in 2024 after working in the office for about a decade under Democrat Michelle Snodgrass. — Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonwealth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonwealth
  1. state
  2. nation
  3. country
Noun
  • That answer is unlikely to satisfy many Democratic primary voters, according to a poll of six early primary states conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Multiple states now restrict forever chemicals, with Minnesota last year banning the intentional addition of PFAS to 11 categories of consumer products, including dental floss.
    — Margaret Hetherman The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of state
Noun
  • Mohave County, where Bullhead City is located, has higher poverty and unemployment rates than the state and nation, with a lower per-capita income, according to Census and state unemployment data.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • As reported, De Beers and the government of the Republic of Botswana have tapped the Olympic gold medal athlete Letsile Tebogo to promote the African nation as a heartland of natural diamonds, and to mark its 60 years of independence.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • The 20 countries at greatest risk of a worsening humanitarian crisis, ranked by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) annually in our Emergency Watchlist, represent just 12% of the global population, but 90% of those in humanitarian need.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Many other countries and even continents would kill to have this level of ingenuity on their shores.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of country

Browse Nearby Words

commonsensical
commonwealth
commonwealths
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Cite this Entry

“Commonwealth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonwealth. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on commonwealth

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about commonwealth

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