National — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl/ na·tion·al

Meaning & Definition of National

National (adjective)

  1. of or relating to a nation
  2. nationalist
  3. comprising or characteristic of a nationality

National (noun)

  1. one that owes allegiance to or is under the protection of a nation without regard to the more formal status of citizen or subject
  2. a competition that is national in scope —usually used in plural

National (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of or relating to a nation

    "played the home team's national anthem before the start of the soccer game"

    similar: civil, public
    related: civic, federal, municipal, government, governmental, domestic, internal, intestine, democratic, republican, nationwide
    opposite: nonnational
    near: global, international, alien, external, foreign

National (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it

    "recommended that foreign nationals living in the region evacuate immediately"

    similar: citizen, freeman, subject
    related: compatriot, countryman, inhabitant, native, nonimmigrant, resident
    opposite: alien, noncitizen
    near: foreigner, stranger, immigrant, nonnative

Related Entry: National guard (noun)

National guard is a different word from National. The synonyms below are for national guard, not for national.

  1. as in militia, standing army

    similar: militia, standing army, army, array, battalion, host, legion, infantry, ranks, regulars, soldiers, troopers, troops

Related Entry: National guards (noun)

National guards is a different word from National. The synonyms below are for national guards, not for national.

  1. as in militias, standing armies

    similar: militias, standing armies, armies, arrays, battalions, hosts, legions, infantries, ranks, regulars, soldiers, troopers, troops

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for National

The most common words with a similar meaning to National:

civil, public, citizen, freeman, subject

Antonyms & Opposite Words for National

Words with the opposite meaning of National:

nonnational, alien, noncitizen

Related Words for National

civic, federal, municipal, government, governmental, domestic, internal, intestine, democratic, republican, nationwide, compatriot, countryman, inhabitant, native, nonimmigrant, resident

Near Antonyms of National

global, international, external, foreign, foreigner, stranger, immigrant, nonnative

Word Forms of National

Derived words: nationally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of National

First known use: 1580

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for National

Words & Phrases Containing National

national bank, national forest, national guard, national guardsman, national income, national monument, national park, national seashore

Frequently Asked Questions about National

What does "National" mean?

"National" means of or relating to a nation. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of or relating to a nation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "National"?

Other words for "National" include civil, public, citizen, freeman and subject. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "National" you intend.

What are different ways to say "National"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "National". Common alternatives include civil, public, citizen, freeman and subject.

What is the opposite of "National"?

Antonyms of "National" include nonnational, alien and noncitizen. Near antonyms include global, international, external and foreign.

How do you use "National" in a sentence?

Examples of "National" in a sentence: "played the home team's national anthem before the start of the soccer game"; "recommended that foreign nationals living in the region evacuate immediately".

Is "National" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"National" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "National" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "National" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "National"?

"National" is pronounced /ˈna-sh(ə-)nəl/ and divided into syllables as na·tion·al.