race 1 of 2

noun

Definition of racenext
1
as in ethnicity
dated a people having a common language, culture, and body of traditions Winston Churchill's famous hope and prediction that World War II would be remembered by future generations as the finest hour of the Britannic race

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in family
archaic a group of persons who come from the same ancestor the last descendent of a race of kings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

race

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to compete
to engage in a contest just how many candidates are racing for the senatorial seat this year?

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to speed
to proceed or move quickly was racing around trying to get everything done before her big trip to India

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 race
Noun
What started out with a kiss between two Democratic officials in a local township office has devolved into a southwest suburban political soap opera with the potential to reshape competitive races for Congress and the Cook County Board. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Gold Phoenix is the 5-2 morning-line favorite, but the Grade 2 race is hardly a walkover. — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Read more Indianapolis Colts The Colts started last season as league darlings, racing out to an 8-2 record as quarterback Daniel Jones earned some MVP buzz. — Nbc Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 Royals manager Matt Quatraro and team trainer Kyle Turner raced out of the dugout to attend to Massey, who rolled onto his stomach. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for race
Recent Examples of Synonyms for race
  1. ethnicity
  2. family
  3. compete
  4. speed
  5. nationality
  6. tribe
  7. contend
  8. travel
Noun
  • Similar to the Army, SAE was filled with young men from all walks of life; every economic background, faith, and ethnicity were represented.
    — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, the Oregon Health Authority began gathering Jewish ethnicity data in an effort launched by a cancer researcher.
    — Sharon Udasin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ethnicity
Noun
  • In our efforts to reciprocate with some updates about our family, the wife would interject within a sentence or two of our contribution to hijack the conversation back to talking about her family.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The role of companies Singapore’s new scheme shifts from merely encouraging births to focus on family well-being over the long term, which might help change how potential parents think about children.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of family
Verb
  • If Woltemade leaves then Wissa, Joe Willock, who is set to stay, and Jacob Ramsey are the obvious candidates to compete to play there.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The series will see 16 people compete head-to-head for a $250,000 cash prize.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of compete
Verb
  • Officers said Rodriguez sped out of the lot and fled the scene.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The next day, his rebuild group met, and one of the architects brought up prefabricated housing as an option to speed things along.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of speed
Noun
  • Vargas found that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his authority by categorically stopping consular officers from issuing visas based on applicants’ nationalities.
    — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The nationalities of 111 other missing people had yet to be ascertained, authorities said.
    — Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of nationality
Noun
  • The site is significant and dates to the 1600s, for council meetings between tribes around the Great Lakes.
    — Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But the association will not advertise a destination until the tribe or business approves its description – a small reversal of the old roadside economy, in which outsiders invented Native identities for signs and souvenirs.
    — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of tribe
Verb
  • In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The states also contend that requiring them to identify mail voters to USPS violates federal privacy protections governing records of individuals’ First Amendment activity.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of contend
Verb
  • Against all odds, Nene takes the road less traveled and apologizes.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • From a design-forward city escape to an eco-friendly island retreat (and a uniquely historic getaway coming soon), discover what Patina can offer globe-trotters interested in a transformative way of traveling through life and through the world.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of travel

Browse Nearby Words

raccoon
race
race-baiting
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on race

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about race

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