expatriate 1 of 3

noun

ek-ˈspā-trē-ət How to pronounce expatriate (audio)
Definition of expatriatenext
as in refugee
a person forced to emigrate for political reasons while in exile, the deposed king was accompanied by a small band of loyal expatriates

Synonyms & Similar Words

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expatriate

2 of 3

verb

ek-ˈspā-trē-ˌāt How to pronounce expatriate (audio)
as in to exile
to force to leave a country members of the deposed dictator's once-feared political party were expatriated as well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expatriate

3 of 3

adjective

as in immigrant

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Dissimilar 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 expatriate
Noun
It’s loosely based on an actual Chilean colony where German expatriates tortured prisoners at the behest of General Pinochet. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 Its airports have remained operational, its economy benefited from a larger citizen population (rather than relying on expatriates), and Tehran has been more cautious in confronting the kingdom directly. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 June 2026
Verb
During the ensuing chaos that followed, Charles fled the country, secretly expatriating to Europe. — Hazlitt, 18 June 2025 However, the Iran conflict poses a longer-term threat to Dubai’s appeal to expatriate workers and firms looking to establish operations in the region which could deflate the real estate market. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Adjective
Wolter, as quixotic expatriate Russian Countess Lily, channels peak era Carol Burnett in this raucous comedy duet. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 June 2026 Rapid urbanization and population growth, driven in large part by expatriate labor, have placed pressure on housing markets, contributing to rising property prices and rents that strain middle- and lower-income residents. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expatriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expatriate
  1. refugee
  2. exile
  3. immigrant
  4. banish
  5. foreign
Noun
  • More than 1 million refugees who fled neighboring Myanmar live in camps in Bangladesh.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Mandazis, ginger rice congee and crispy lentil kofte can be found in a new cafe, run by the nonprofit organization MAKE Projects, which opened at the end of June with a mission to empower immigrant and refugee women.
    — Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of refugee
Verb
  • The reality star, actress, and comedian hasn't been exiled from late night altogether, however.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • The producers essentially did as much once both were exiled from Casa Amor, and the two made the mutual decision to couple up onscreen.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of exile
Adjective
  • In the last few years, immigrant workers have made major inroads into the American economy.
    — Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • However, immigrant communities in Charlotte and North Carolina still face challenges, especially on the state level.
    — Diamy Wang July 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Definition of immigrant
Verb
  • Catlett was banished from the United States for what her art had to say.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • But being intellectually skeptical of something is not the same as banishing it from one’s existence.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
Definition of banish
Adjective
  • There’s no guarantee Lawrence will ever play host to a foreign national soccer team’s World Cup base camp again.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring a primary upset in Colorado, while police identify the Empire State Building climbers as foreign daredevils.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of foreign

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on expatriate

Nglish: Translation of expatriate for Spanish Speakers

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