republic

noun

ri-ˈpə-blik How to pronounce republic (audio)
Definition of republicnext
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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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 republic The decision echoes those seen in several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where leaders have used new or amended constitutions to revise statutory term limits. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 In tiny San Marino, the American pope praises a republic built on freedom and mutual respect, calling it a ‘laboratory of good politics’ that defends human dignity. — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026 The Dandolo family was present at the origins of Venice and played a presiding role as the republic’s early history took shape. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The prosecutor’s office of the republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol is investigating two unnamed researchers, one of them associated with the Hermitage, for war crimes. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for republic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for republic
democracy
Noun
  • The ruling, the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s Societies Ordinance, has raised alarms over freedom of association as authorities continue tightening controls after the 2019 democracy protests.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Their ideas on topics from education to energy could shape our democracy and even influence today’s decision makers.
    — USA TODAY Network Staff Reports, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of democracy

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reptilian
republic
republican
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Cite this Entry

“Republic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/republic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on republic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about republic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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