democracy

noun

di-ˈmä-krə-sē How to pronounce democracy (audio)
Definition of democracynext
as in republic
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation under our democracy the people have some control over their lives by being able to select their own political leaders

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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 democracy Contrary to what the public has been led to believe, America’s Founding Fathers were skeptical and anxious about democracy. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026 Strong majorities of all ages agree the United States needs a strong military, should spread freedom and democracy, and engage with the world to promote Americans’ economic standing. — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026 Divisions are part of the price of democracy, argued Lincoln author and University of Florida professor Allen Guelzo. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Continue reading … FOUNDING FIASCO — MS NOW's historian claims America became a real democracy in 1965, not 1776. — FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for democracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for democracy
republic
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

Browse Nearby Words

demobs
democracy
democrat
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Cite this Entry

“Democracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/democracy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on democracy

Nglish: Translation of democracy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about democracy

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