democracy

noun

di-ˈmä-krə-sē How to pronounce democracy (audio)
Definition of democracynext
as in republic
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation under our democracy the people have some control over their lives by being able to select their own political leaders

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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 democracy In countries with eroding democracies, many people have watched Hungary over the past three months make rapid reforms under a new prime minister, Péter Magyar. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 Criminalizing editorial judgment sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Bangladesh’s reputation as a democracy. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Finally, Weinberger’s final two principles are critical, especially in a democracy. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026 The idea that the war was about democracy is disputed by the rise of dictators in Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain and France after the war. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for democracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for democracy
republic
Noun
  • The Prime Minister of the Turkish republic of northern Cyprus, Ünal Üstel, told Turkish media that 237 people had been rescued from the ship, and search efforts were continuing for 23 people.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This panic is also nothing new; television was supposed to rot our brains, and radio before that, and somehow the republic survived.
    — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of republic

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demobs
democracy
democrat
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Cite this Entry

“Democracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/democracy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on democracy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about democracy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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