public 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpə-blik How to pronounce public (audio)
Definition of publicnext
1
as in open
not known by only a select few the mayor's plans to retire have been public knowledge for some time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unrestricted
freely available for use or participation by all a public swimming pool

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in national
of or relating to a nation a trade agreement in the public interest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in general
held by or applicable to a majority of the people public sentiment was against the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in collective
used or done by a number of people as a group public transportation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

public

2 of 2

noun

1
as in world
human beings in general a lecture open to the public

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in populace
the body of the community as contrasted with the elite the highbrows have always disdained his novels, but the public just eats them up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 public
Adjective
In an unusual arrangement designed to protect public money, the federal government will take an equity stake in Helion. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 While there is public concern about the spread of the illness, there has not yet been a major outbreak. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
Iron Boy also won the features audience award, voted on by the festival public. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Although Luther had not intended his work for the broader public, his theses were soon translated into German, printed, and distributed. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public
Recent Examples of Synonyms for public
  1. open
  2. unrestricted
  3. national
  4. general
  5. collective
  6. world
  7. populace
  8. broadcast
Adjective
  • For the tinkering types, Meta also released open weights for Muse’s code to help people connect it to a range of other devices.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Contrary to preelection expectations by observers for a double-digit difference in favor of Yotova, her opponent showed a surprisingly strong performance, leaving all options open for the runoff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of open
Adjective
  • In the mid-2000s, then-President Hugo Chávez set out to tally reserves in the Orinoco Belt, amid increasing global oil prices and virtually unrestricted government spending.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Irving has a player-option on his contract for the 2027-28 season, and will be unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unrestricted
Adjective
  • These developments support the modernization of renewable energy systems and help drive national carbon-reduction goals.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • From union leader to president Lula rose to national prominence as the leader of a metalworkers' union that organized strikes that helped bring down Brazil's dictatorship in the 1980s.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of national
Adjective
  • Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, described RIG-360 as critical to PAC-3 operations and in-flight performance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Vance has faced general questions about his association with Carlson, a former Fox News host who faced backlash last year for interviewing antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast.
    — Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • Gail Lerner, is fun and refreshing, speaking to a collective audience across generations.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But the Dream’s offensive dominance would not have been possible without the team’s collective defense.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of collective
Noun
  • Called the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, the ride attracts thousands of cyclists from throughout the nation and world.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of world
Noun
  • Despite Jack’s best efforts to bring Christmas cheer to the world, his gifts horrify the populace.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.
    — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of populace
Adjective
  • Federal prohibition still locks plant-touching brands out of Meta, Google, most broadcast and print channels, and, sometimes, even basic financial plumbing.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In separate filings, both media outlets raised questions as to the validity of the NFL’s broadcast antitrust exemption, a provision established under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of broadcast

Phrases Containing public

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pub crawlers
public
publication
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Cite this Entry

“Public.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/public. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public

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