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 Federal investigators allege the book included information Buma obtained from the FBI about an investigation of a foreign nation's weapons of mass destruction program. — Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2025 Germany and other European nations plan to increase government spending over the next several years, resulting in additional bond issuance. — Garth Friesen, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Our nation’s and our state’s infrastructure is aging, and among the biggest threats to the long-term stability of our bridges and roadways is the wear and tear caused by overweight trucks. — Ydanis Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025 Plus, 64 teams would include more than a quarter of FIFA’s member nations, diluting overall quality and rendering qualifying competitions all but superfluous. — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2025 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. race
  8. family
Noun
  • The first was an impossibility in her weakened state.
    — Cassidy Randall, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The group has worked on federal and state projects used by millions of Americans.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of state
Noun
  • Italian American Social Club of Central Florida: All nationalities are welcome.
    — Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Two of the clients listed in the 20-page indictment were from Venezuela, while the nationality for the other three clients was not provided in the charges.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of nationality
Noun
  • She’s already biked solo through 12 countries across three continents.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The Central American ally was supposed to be a stopover for migrants from countries that were more challenging for the U.S. to deport to as the Trump administration tried to accelerate deportations.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of country
Noun
  • And the researchers also observed some differences by race and ethnicity.
    — Josie Cox, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Experts say there is no analysis by race or ethnicity of the length of time people use the program.
    — Paula Andalo | KFF Health News, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of ethnicity
Noun
  • Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime.
    — The Hill Staff, The Hill, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Staff members there are tasked with supporting rape crisis centers across the commonwealth with technical support and training.
    — Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • These systems disproportionately classify minority women as higher risk, potentially leading to harsher sentences and prolonged incarceration.
    — Swati Tyagi, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The programs’ enrollment is 42% white non-Hispanic, 28% Latinos, and 18% Black non-Hispanic, with small percentages of other minorities, according to a CMS document.
    — Paula Andalo / KFF Health News and, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of minority
Noun
  • Therefore, the stewards disqualified both drivers, stripping them of their race results.
    — Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Top Democratic digital operatives who worked for the 2024 presidential campaign of then-Vice President Kamala Harris have been in high demand, with many Democrats anticipating close 2026 races in which digital strategies may be key.
    — Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of race
Noun
  • This former playground for America’s richest families boasts an alluring mix of pristine wilderness and aging mansions once inhabited by the likes of J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William K. Vanderbilt.
    — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But those assurances are little comfort to many worried families and staff.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of family

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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 28 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nation

Nglish: Translation of nation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nation

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