institution

noun

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce institution (audio)
Definition of institutionnext
1
as in institute
a public organization with a particular purpose or function a charitable institution devoted to raising funds to feed the hungry

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2
as in fixture
a person who has long been associated with a place or activity an actor who has been a Broadway institution for decades

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in organization
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest an institution devoted to studying social problems and proposing solutions for them

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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 institution So too would her chances of eventually becoming majority leader or eventually even Speaker of the House if the Democrats can regain control of the institution. — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 July 2026 Instead, the institution grew, spreading into territory that Jefferson secured in the Louisiana Purchase. — Jim Rasenberger, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026 His Commentaries became foundational reading for nineteenth-century lawyers, emphasizing that law existed to preserve constitutional government, private rights, and public confidence in legal institutions. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The surge also did considerable damage to the buildings within the surge zone, 85% of which were residential buildings, according to New York University's Furman Center, an empirical research institution. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for institution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for institution
  1. institute
  2. fixture
  3. organization
  4. group
  5. society
  6. foundation
  7. association
  8. establishment
Noun
  • The institute found that if current enrollment and completion rates continue, most California 9th graders will not earn a bachelor’s degree.
    — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • More than 20 sites across Kyiv were hit, including residential apartment blocks, a hotel, a research institute and an ambulance station.
    — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 2 July 2026
Definition of institute
Noun
  • New Zealand’s more expansive style was always going to put them at risk in this fixture.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Definition of fixture
Noun
  • The organization warned that as search-and-rescue teams begin to scale back operations, humanitarian needs—particularly food, medical care and protection services—could intensify rather than diminish.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s largest professional MMA organization.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of organization
Noun
  • Prosecutors accused the group of transporting unaccompanied children between the ages of 5 and 13 from Juárez, Mexico, into the United States.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Large friendship groups can be a really cool experience, but can also pose challenges in terms of the depths of intimacy that can be cultivated with each person.
    — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Steinbeck creates a microcosm of American society, where disability, gender, race and class are all represented and shaped by an economic hierarchy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The comments sorted themselves into camps, each revealing something interesting about how our society has come to think about motherhood, sacrifice and raising children.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of society
Noun
  • The foundation helped raise more than $200,000 to pay off school lunch debt for students, gave out turkeys to families during the holidays and provided resources to those impacted by gun violence.
    — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
  • The actor says the group of actors, led by Elle Woods herself, Lexi Minetree, developed a solid foundation with each other and in themselves filming the next season before the first had aired.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • The average American consumes about 20 pounds — almost 4 gallons — of ice cream each year, the association also reported.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • However, if future disappointment is to be avoided, something will need to change not just at the national level but also within Asian soccer’s governing association.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of association
Noun
  • Socialists have been on the rise after candidates such as Melat Kiros and Darializa Avila Chevalier beat longtime Democratic incumbents and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeated the Democratic establishment in last year’s mayoral race.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 6 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, in suburban areas and in statewide contests establishment Democrats generally are winning against progressive challengers.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of establishment

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instituting
institution
institutions
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on institution

Nglish: Translation of institution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about institution

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