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

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 national

Adjective

The 2022-23 Gophers had more individual talent than perhaps any roster that has gathered in Minneapolis, and spent much of the season atop the national rankings. —

Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2025 Major national medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and more than 20 others argue that gender-affirming care is safe, effective, beneficial, and medically necessary. —

Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

The Venezuelan national denied having a connection to any criminal gangs, but the investigation is ongoing. —

Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025 Read the full article by Ewan Palmer on Newsweek. 07:52 AM EST China, Philippines confirm nationals among victims of crash Two Chinese nationals were aboard the American Eagle jet involved in Wednesday's deadly collision, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. confirmed, without providing further details. —

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for national

Recent Examples of Synonyms for national

Adjective

The federal office has the power to rename geographic places within the United States.

— Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
Schumer and other leaders emphasized that a freeze in federal funding would affect American families in red and blue states who rely on federal funding.

— Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 28 Jan. 2025