NATIONAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'national' distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and subject are common synonyms of national . While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state. // American nationals working in the Middle East

Q: When can 'citizen' be used instead of 'national'?

The synonyms citizen and national are sometimes interchangeable, but citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people. // the rights of a free citizen

Q: In what contexts can 'subject' take the place of 'national'?

The words subject and national can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch. // the king's subjects

national 1 of 2

adjective

ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of national next

as in federal

of or relating to a nation played the home team's national anthem before the start of the soccer game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

national

2 of 2

noun

as in citizen

a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it recommended that foreign nationals living in the region evacuate immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word national distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and subject are common synonyms of national. While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state.

American nationals working in the Middle East

When can citizen be used instead of national?

The synonyms citizen and national are sometimes interchangeable, but citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.

the rights of a free citizen

In what contexts can subject take the place of national?

The words subject and national can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch.

the king's subjects

Examples 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 national

Adjective

South Korean national security advisor Shin Wonsik recently said Seoul assessed that Russia has provided air defense missile systems to North Korea. —

Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 Following those roles, McBride served as the national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. —

Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Nov. 2024

Noun

Trump has vowed to use the National Guard and other parts of the military to round up as many as 11 million foreign nationals, despite U.S. law that forbids the deployment of armed forces against civilians. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Four Indian nationals in Canada have since been charged with Nijjar's murder and are awaiting trial. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for national

Recent Examples of Synonyms for national

Adjective

The complete federal investigation of that incident, conducted by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, was released 11 months later.

Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
FirstEnergy sought either a state or a federal solution for its financially struggling nuclear plants, which were later owned by a subsidiary.

Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024