Meaning

Pertaining to a nation or country, especially as a whole; affecting, shared by, or existing throughout all of a nation..

Definitions by Sense

1. Pertaining to a nation or country, especially as a whole; affecting, shared by, or existing throughout all of a nation.
2. Belonging to or characteristic of a specific nation or country, as opposed to others.
3. (now rare) Nationalistic; patriotic.
4. A subject of a nation.
5. (usually in the plural) A tournament in which participants from all over the nation compete.
6. (usually in the plural, journalism) A national newspaper.
7. (law) Somebody born under the authority of a given State.

Example Sentences

a national assembly · on the front page of every national newspaper

Import tariffs were raised for the national interest.

this is their national dish · our national tendency to laugh at the French

‘Come, come, don't deny it: they are really national. Why, now, the Adams are as liberal-minded men as any in the world: but, I don't know how it is, all their workmen are Scotch.’

The diplomats were advised not to interact with any foreign nationals except on official duty.

After winning the regional tournament, the team advanced to the nationals.

I had a crush on Bardot / Fell in love with Monroe / Read about 'em in the nationals / All the juicy little scandals

Word Forms

• more national
• most national
• nat'l
• nationals

Synonyms for national

Antonyms for national

Related Words

When Should You Use National?

Use national when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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