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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Yumi Asada, Chris Lau and Minori Konishi, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
Lake Worth police said that the suspect was contained at that time and there was no ongoing public threat.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025
The value of a college education is increasingly scrutinized by a public weary of debt and questioning its real-world application.
—Ramiro Frausto, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for public 
Adjective
Much of Japan’s public infrastructure was built between the 1960s and 1970s during an economic boom in the wake of World War II, during which much of Tokyo was destroyed by American bombing raids.
—Yumi Asada, Chris Lau and Minori Konishi, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
Lake Worth police said that the suspect was contained at that time and there was no ongoing public threat.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
The category is the only award voted for by the British public.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025
The value of a college education is increasingly scrutinized by a public weary of debt and questioning its real-world application.
—Ramiro Frausto, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for public
Recent Examples of Synonyms for public
Adjective
-
According to writer Andres Chavez of Empire Sports Media, the Mets are open to an Alonso reunion.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The speedy trial in the court was not open to the public.—
Reuters,
CNN,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Thomas, an unrestricted free agent in 2025, received a core designation from the Sun on Jan. 17 which gives a team exclusive negotiating rights and guarantees a player at least a one-year super-max contract.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Free agents The Bills have 11 players eligible to become unrestricted free agents.—
John Wawrow,
Twin Cities,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Janelle Griffith Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing.—
Janelle Griffith,
NBC News,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Isabelle Taft is a reporter covering national news and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their career.—
Isabelle Taft,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said no such request was made.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Could general manager Brian Cashman go a different route and add another ace by trading for San Diego Padres hurler Dylan Cease?—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Winners Alliance, a global, athlete-centric commercial engine, focuses on optimizing and maximizing athletes’ collective value through group licensing, partnerships, sponsorships, content and investment opportunities.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Furthermore, random sampling means each light node’s workload stays small, while the collective coverage is enough to detect almost any fraudulent proof.—
Ayush Gupta,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In a world where choice is often denied, step into a transformative journey of autonomy and resilience.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Launching nationwide on February 3, 2025, with a presale starting January 27, this collaboration features nine unique cookie designs inspired by Post Malone’s world.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In the Eaton Fire zone, Latinos represent 27% of the populace but 35% of workers.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA TODAY,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Much to the amazement of the local populace, the eggs kept popping out—until it was discovered that the owner was writing the words and reinserting the eggs into the hapless hen’s cloaca.—
Arthur Krystal,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The show falls under the broadcast direct deal Hudson and his producing partner Stalberg signed with Fox in 2023.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2024
-
Fox is adding another veteran writer and producer to its roster of broadcast direct deals.—
Rick Porter,
The Hollywood Reporter,
5 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near public
Cite this Entry
“Public.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/public. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share