repatriation
noun
re·pa·tri·a·tion
(ˌ)rē-ˌpā-trē-ˈā-shən 
-ˌpa-
plural repatriations
: the act or process of restoring or returning someone or something to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship : the act of repatriating or the state of being repatriated
… rising demands for the repatriation of skeletons and sacred objects, now widely scattered in the world's museums, and for museum exhibits less devoted to static, stereotypical displays of … the native American culture.—
Robert McCormick Adams
Robert McCormick AdamsWhile officials privately acknowledge there is scant legal basis for repatriation, their public statements suggest that they would use lawsuits, diplomatic pressure and shame to bring home looted objects—not unlike Italy, Greece and Egypt, which have sought, with some success, to recover antiquities in European and American museums.—Andrew Jacobs
Andrew JacobsThey say they have that right under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which requires that human remains and artifacts be returned to Indian tribes that can show a cultural link.—Timothy Egan
Timothy EganExamples of repatriation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With Key and Collington now accounted for, the search efforts have been concluded and the focus has turned to recovery and repatriation, the Army said.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The Webb County Medical Examiner's Office is working in close coordination with the Mexican Consulate to contact the migrants' families, confirm the final identity and assist with the repatriation process.
—Alexandra Koch , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
The Repatriation Spectrum The loan has also reignited the Parthenon Marbles debate and broader questions about repatriation.
—Annika Erikson, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026
Both flights will also transport passengers from other countries which did not send their own repatriation flights, officials have said.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repatriation
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David Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The Webb County Medical Examiner's Office is working in close coordination with the Mexican Consulate to contact the migrants' families, confirm the final identity and assist with the repatriation process.
—Alexandra Koch , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
The Repatriation Spectrum The loan has also reignited the Parthenon Marbles debate and broader questions about repatriation.
—Annika Erikson, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026
Both flights will also transport passengers from other countries which did not send their own repatriation flights, officials have said.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repatriation
Cite this Entry
“Repatriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repatriation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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