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

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Recent Examples of national

Adjective

Mangione also faces forgery and weapons charges in Pennsylvania in connection with the high-profile case that captured national attention. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 Broader legal and social implications The Montana Supreme Court’s decision is the latest in a national wave of legal battles over transgender procedures for minors. —

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

China had earlier said its embassy in Syria was still operational and providing assistance to its nationals trying to leave the country. —

Seyed Ismail Nafeesa, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024 Listen to this article A Nigerian national was sentenced to prison on Wednesday for his role in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded companies in Connecticut, New York, Colorado and Alaska. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for national

Recent Examples of Synonyms for national

Adjective

Congress could fix the problems with federal homeless policy by restructuring federal homeless assistance into a block grant sent to state governments.

Stephen Eide, National Review, 17 Dec. 2024
Lower courts have ruled that the records must be turned over to the National Archives, but Navarro argues the act does not authorize federal searches of private email accounts.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024