STATES Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

states 1 of 2

noun

plural of state

as in countries

a body of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government the British monarch is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

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states

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of state

as in says

to convey in appropriate or telling terms please state the vehicle's mechanical problem as clearly and briefly as possible

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as in tells

to express (a thought or emotion) in words "I believe this theory is wrong," she stated

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in voices

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) everyone has a right to state his or her opinion, no matter how unpopular it may be

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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 states

Noun

Though Black voters make up tiny percentages of the MAGA right and democratic socialist left nationwide, Black politicians are in the spotlight in these two states. — Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026 Flock currently has over 120,000 cameras active across 49 states and has struck deals with thousands of municipalities. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026 It is set to pay $5 billion more if other social media companies, including Snap, TikTok and YouTube, also settle with states in related legal battles. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 The chain has expanded its presence in California and other states throughout its history, owning brands such as Nob Hill Foods and Bel Air Markets. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Ohio is among a handful of states with proof-of-citizenship laws in place for the first time this year. — CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 The states’ lawyers had signaled roughly $200 billion was a more realistic target at trial. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The settlement covers claims made by 47 states, with California attorney general Rob Bonta among the AG’s leading the case. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Vestige currently has 25 properties in Spain in various states of being restored. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

The judge found that the three did, in fact, violate the charter, which states that council members may not interfere with appointments or removals in the city manager’s office, or give orders to the city manager’s subordinates. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Colossal also states that competition dashboards and profile pages are taken down after the campaign concludes. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The issue also puts pressure on Republicans in Michigan, Ohio and Alaska, states where Canada is an important trading partner. — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The filing states that the $110,000 quote would have been separate from the regular monthly charges TAG billed Wilson. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 In another case, an official working for Polymer Ohio, a past recipient of MEP funding from the state, shared a residential address with a Polymer Ohio contractor, the report states. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The last major outbreak occurred in 2024, involving 19 human cases nationally with 13 of the cases reported in each of the New England states other than Connecticut, and two each in New York and New Jersey. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit states that after Collins filed an internal complaint with the district in 2008, it was investigated by the agency’s Equal Opportunity Programs Unit. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 The report states that a priority will be developing a framework for the circular economy that can help government, industry, and businesses align their goals. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for states

Noun

Iceland is also a member of the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free travel between it and other participating European countries.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Solar attracted the most investment among renewable energy subsectors during the first six months of the year as countries rush to build capacity as worries grow that global wars will continue squeezing energy supplies.

— Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of countries

Verb

Despite Bret’s passionate insistence that his classmate is a serial killer, Croft tells him Robert is a good kid from a good family and sends him back to class.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
The limited series tells the story of two sisters who go on the run after an act of vengeance goes wrong.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of tells

Verb

Bauza also voices both of the leads, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, in the last Looney Tunes feature, The Day the Earth Blew Up.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Groff voices Kristoff, the endearing, odd ice miner who emerges as a surprising love interest for Anna in the first film.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of voices

Noun

Officials in nations that have traditionally had strong economic links with Iran have not heard much from the US this week.

— Yash Roy, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Trump has made no secret of his intent to halt the advancing influence by both adversary nations into not only Venezuela, but throughout the Western hemisphere.

— David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of nations

Verb

Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Psalm 23, Biblical poem in the book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible that expresses trust and confidence in God and his care.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of expresses

Verb

In Japanese, the hero utters the name of the series to a villain in a parting one liner.

— Gene Park, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2026
At the film’s end, Abbie Cornish as Fanny hears secondhand about Keats’s death and utters a cry that is almost too much to bear — a cry that feels too real.

— Sarah Chihaya, Vulture, 16 July 2026

Definition of utters

Verb

The delicate shape still nods to classic ballet flats, but the slight heel gives everything a little more polish, making the pairing feel less Sunday lunch with your nan and more Copenhagen Fashion Week.

— Georgia Brown, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2026
The deal gives the United States 55% effective output of the new private company, including an ownership stake and rights to buy oil at cost.

— Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026