protectorate

noun

Definition of protectoratenext
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 Morocco was under French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, and the two countries remain closely connected. — David Hickey, NBC news, 9 July 2026 Critics will claim that trading Canadian or Danish oversight for an American protectorate merely swaps one master for another. — Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 Pashinyan has implemented the complete transformation of Armenia’s position in the region and the world, going from a de facto protectorate of Russia to one bordering on hostility. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026 With very few exceptions, an end was declared, not only to empires, but also to city-states, duchies, principalities, emirates, sultanates, caliphates, khanates, agencies, princely states, colonies, suzerains, dependencies, mandates, tributaries, condominia and protectorates. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for protectorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protectorate
  1. territory
  2. mandate
  3. dependency
Noun
  • Christopher Nolan’s recent film reminded me of another time when the world was awash in ambiguity and leaders needed to navigate the perilous voyage across unfamiliar territory.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Ethiopia also has accused Eritrean troops of occupying its territory, an allegation that the AP couldn't independently verify.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of territory
Noun
  • When algorithms handle tactical execution, a leader’s primary mandate is cultural.
    — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Pro, who joined the museum in March after positions at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Seattle Art Museum, said Ryan’s mandate is to elevate learning and public programs to the level of exhibitions.
    — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of mandate
Noun
  • Identify dependencies and separate unresolved questions affecting the investment decision from initiatives that can begin after closing.
    — James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Given these concerns, companies are looking to diversify their AI usage, and reduce their dependency on the leading AI companies.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependency

Browse Nearby Words

protector
protectorate
protectorates
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on protectorate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protectorate

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