island

noun

ˈī-lənd How to pronounce island (audio)
Definition of islandnext
as in isle
a fairly small area of land completely surrounded by water the island of Hawaii is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 island Regarding Taiwan, China’s sustained pressure to acquire the island tends to overshadow a dramatic economic and political success story. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Guests will be able to explore ports of call in Mexico, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Before Pier House, accommodations in Key West were largely island hotels, motels and guest houses. — Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 The park’s center is a massive shield volcano, which covers a great portion of the island of Maui, and also includes abundant waterfalls and rainforests. — Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for island
Recent Examples of Synonyms for island
  1. isle
  2. atoll
Noun
  • There’s truly not a bad suite on the isle, but the second-story Island Premier Suites, which showcase the top views and provide a spacious 1,020-square-foot suite to enjoy them, is a standout.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The bleakness of those far northern isles, the punishing, incessant wind, the wild beauty of the land and rugged coastline are unforgettably conjured alongside her inner struggle to stay sober.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of isle
Noun
  • Colonial powers reshaped many atolls, removing native forests to plant fast-growing coconut palm plantations.
    — NPR, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The tiny coral limestone atoll was colonized by Germany and later administered by Australia before becoming an independent republic in 1968.
    — Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of atoll

Browse Nearby Words

is friends with
island
islands
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on island

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about island

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