city-state

noun

Definition of city-statenext
as in republic
a state that has its own government and consists of a city and the area around it the city-states of ancient Greece

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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 city-state As children, Vi and Jinx lose their parents in an abortive revolution in Zaun, and years later find themselves on opposite sides of an unfolding power struggle between the two city-states. — David Faris, TheWeek, 22 May 2026 Authorities in the wealthy city-state of Monaco have launched a manhunt that’s stretched across the border into France after several people were wounded in an explosion caused by a bomb that was planted in a residential building. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 30 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 The ultra-wealthy city-state of Monaco on the French Riviera is no stranger to luxury hotels—fellow grand dames Hôtel de Paris and Hermitage sit at the heart of the action around Casino Square—each vying to outdo the other with fancy arrivals and impeccably discreet service. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for city-state
Recent Examples of Synonyms for city-state
  1. republic
  2. kingdom
  3. nation
  4. empire
  5. country
  6. duchy
  7. commonwealth
  8. principality
Noun
  • This swept away Iran’s monarchy and birthed a state that is part theocracy, part republic, with a handful of semi-democratic institutions swaddled by a system that is ultimately clerical.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • On America’s 250th, the president has elevated some important debates about the mechanics of running a self-governing republic.
    — Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of republic
Noun
  • Riyadh's exports over the two weeks to July 2 were more than double the 15 million barrels the kingdom shipped through the strait from March 9 through June 17.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 4 July 2026
  • Tipu’s kingdom finally fell in 1799, when British and allied forces overwhelmed his fortress at Seringapatam, a few hours’ drive from present-day Bangalore.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Definition of kingdom
Noun
  • Some two dozen nations have sent some 3,000 emergency personnel to Venezuela.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • Jones has thrown every wrench at the paper to try and foil the reboot of his digital streaming and supplement empire.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • The tennis icon has built a sprawling business empire that includes a venture capital firm, Serena Ventures; the multimedia company Nine Two Six Productions; and Wyn Beauty, while also holding stakes in the Miami Dolphins and Angel City FC.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Definition of empire
Noun
  • Like previous host countries, Turkey is likely to use the summit to put its own security concerns and defense industry on the agenda.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • And, in a country struck by tragedy, this loss felt close to home.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • The duchy is overseen by a board of directors and major decisions must be approved by the Treasury.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • The Duke of Cornwall inherited the duchy in September 2022.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 5 June 2026
Definition of duchy
Noun
  • The Pennsylvania Game Commission says the commonwealth is home to both red and gray foxes.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Eight towns in the commonwealth remain dry.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 23 June 2026
Definition of commonwealth
Noun
  • The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Monaco’s population of 38,000 is multinational, with only a fifth of the population actually citizens of the principality.
    — Philippe Magoni, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of principality

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city slickers
city-state
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Cite this Entry

“City-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/city-state. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on city-state

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about city-state

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