welfare state
noun
1
: a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
2
: a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system
Examples of welfare state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The same goes for Brenda Blethyn, so effortlessly affecting as a wife and mother reduced to becoming a client to the welfare state, a degradation that Colleen just can’t begin to tolerate.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Now, based on some of their comments and policies, the party’s vision for the country is for less consumption, fewer choices, a bigger welfare state, a larger manufacturing sector and cheaper drugs.
—Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
The two terms have often been used interchangeably, particularly in the postwar era of democratic welfare states.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
But that does not seem to be the case in Denmark, for example, which has one of the most comprehensive and generous welfare states in the world.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for welfare state
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.
Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Now, based on some of their comments and policies, the party’s vision for the country is for less consumption, fewer choices, a bigger welfare state, a larger manufacturing sector and cheaper drugs.
—Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
The two terms have often been used interchangeably, particularly in the postwar era of democratic welfare states.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
But that does not seem to be the case in Denmark, for example, which has one of the most comprehensive and generous welfare states in the world.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for welfare state
Cite this Entry
“Welfare state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welfare%20state. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share