state 1 of 2

noun

ˈstāt How to pronounce state (audio)
Definition of statenext
1
as in nation
a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government the British monarch is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of the government

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2
as in dignity
high position within society Sir Thomas More was accorded an execution befitting his state: a beheading and not the hanging that common criminals received

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

state

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to say
to convey in appropriate or telling terms please state the vehicle's mechanical problem as clearly and briefly as possible

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2
as in to utter
to express (a thought or emotion) in words "I believe this theory is wrong," she stated

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3
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) everyone has a right to state his or her opinion, no matter how unpopular it may be

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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 state
Noun
Etzel said the executive order is also intended to put pressure on states that establish vaccine requirements for schools, while potentially setting up additional legal challenges over the federal government’s authority to influence vaccine policy. — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 According to the medical examiner's office, the bodies were improperly stored at the funeral home and were in various states of decomposition at the time. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
Council member Macy Hill abstained from the vote on the data center commission, and council member Chris Jamieson voted against the requirement related to state regulatory approvals. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026 The company has stated more than 100 million people have used its platform. — Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for state
Recent Examples of Synonyms for state
  1. nation
  2. dignity
  3. say
  4. utter
  5. voice
  6. country
  7. rank
  8. express
Noun
  • Michael Damianos said the East Mediterranean is fast becoming an alternative energy source for European nations as Russia’s war in Ukraine and upheaval in the Middle East compel the continent to seek out new sources.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s index score still falls within the upper echelons of an individualist culture, but is lower than some of its fellow major footballing nations, including France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the Netherlands.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of nation
Noun
  • In criticism, everything counts, including the obvious, and Nolan’s film positively invites the comparison, dressing itself—in spite of its deference to current mass-market sensibilities—in the dignity of a classic.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Brazzale says patients who are declining may worry about soiling themselves, losing their dignity, or being moved out of their home at the end.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of dignity
Verb
  • Editor Chris McCaleb said that openness shaped how the entire series was built in post.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Walker says his company’s jet card program is an important tool in driving charter hours for aircraft owners.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of say
Verb
  • Hochman detailed a number of prosecutions, including the sentence of one man to a life sentence plus seven years with the possibility of parole for a March 23 attack, during which racial epithets were uttered.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • After so many games this season, some version of that adage, a verbal shrug and a nod to how unpredictable the sport is, has been uttered in the Padres clubhouse.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026
Definition of utter
Verb
  • Keller taxpayers have voiced anger over how much money the district paid Davis and Jackson Walker while Davis served as the school board’s counsel.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Lopez has lived in the building for more than a decade and was one of the few residents who spoke during the July hearing to voice his opposition.
    — Isaac Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Marina was adamant to the federal agents that her former husband could never have given secrets to another country.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Our country has used science to make society safer and healthier over time, improving lives, making jobs safer, and preventing early deaths.
    — Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • This suggests that companies add to their part-time ranks to save on the health insurance costs of standard employment.
    — Paul Osterman, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Kennedy, a member of the family that has run NASCAR for decades, was a pro stock car driver before joining the executive ranks.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of rank
Verb
  • The national federations of Argentina, Mexico and Qatar are among those to express public support for his continued leadership.
    — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Fan reaction in Sacramento and online Fans of the artist have expressed both sympathy for the singer and ire over the show’s abrupt postponement.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of express

Browse Nearby Words

stasis
state
state's evidence
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Cite this Entry

“State.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/state. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on state

Nglish: Translation of state for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about state

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