nation

noun

ˈnā-shən How to pronounce nation (audio)
Definition of nationnext
1
as in state
a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government the American people became one nation when they adopted the Constitution in 1789

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in nationality
a people having a common language, culture, and body of traditions an international organization dedicated to upholding the basic human rights of people from all nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 nation Now, with industrialized nations in North America, Asia, and Europe spending billions to shore up their rare-earths supply chains, and counting on monazite to help them do it, China’s history and experiences with monazite offer important lessons. — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 15 Oct. 2026 Subash Tamang became the first player from the Himalayan nation of Nepal to compete on the DP World Tour, making his country the 120th nation represented in tour history. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 As a nation, the United States is moving toward knocking down longstanding walls separating religion and government, often ruling in favor of expanding the rights of religious groups. — Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 Civilian airports are increasingly becoming military targets, as nations at war seek new ways to inflict economic and psychological damage. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nation
  1. state
  2. nationality
  3. country
  4. ethnicity
  5. commonwealth
  6. minority
  7. family
  8. race
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
  • As part of orchestrating this project, Simon was also involved in securing visas for the various international performers, encountering in the process the uneven access to travel for cultural workers across classes, nationalities, and milieus.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The job even gets meta, with the British star cracking a joke about which nationalities are cast in best roles Hollywood has to offer Black talent.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of nationality
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
Noun
  • The hackers also obtained access to unique student identifier numbers as well as information about gender, race or ethnicity, primary language, country of origin and English learner status.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But for decades, because of his ethnicity, Tenzing’s role in the mission was understated by history; he was treated as Hillary’s noble assistant.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of ethnicity
Noun
  • According to state data, fewer than 1% of the more than 1,100 measles cases in the commonwealth are people who are fully vaccinated.
    — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Months later, in July 2025, Shapiro announced Amazon would invest $20 billion in an AI buildout in Pennsylvania, the largest capital investment in the commonwealth’s history.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • Visible minorities remain vastly underrepresented among France’s political and business elites.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The measures are meant to address wealth disparities created by apartheid, when South Africa’s white minority excluded Black people from the economy.
    — John Eligon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of minority
Noun
  • But others criticized the tactics used and family separations.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • To support the Rose family, those interested can contribute to a GoFundMe.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • The two remained locked in a tight race as early voting nears with Talarico having a slight edge in most polls.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly four hours were spent neutralized behind the safety car, with 16 cautions that prevented this year’s race from ever really developing a rhythm.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of race

Browse Nearby Words

nates
nation
national
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Cite this Entry

“Nation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nation

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