commonwealth
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for commonwealth, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From common + wealth, originally meaning "the general well-being of the public" before it came to describe a self-governing state.
Full origin of commonwealth →Frequently asked questions
What does “commonwealth” mean?
The word “commonwealth” means a self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members. In plain terms, a political community organized for everyone's benefit, or (capitalized) the international group of nations linked to the former British Empire.
How do you pronounce “commonwealth”?
“Commonwealth” is pronounced KO-muhn-wehlth (/ˈkɑmənˌwɛlθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “commonwealth” in a sentence?
Here is “commonwealth” used in a sentence: “The document laid out plans for a new commonwealth governed by elected representatives.”
What part of speech is “commonwealth”?
Depending on how it is used, “commonwealth” can be a noun and a name.
Is “commonwealth” a common word?
“Commonwealth” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “commonwealth” have?
“Commonwealth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members.
What is the difference between a commonwealth and a republic?
A commonwealth is a self-governing political community organized for the general good of its members, a broad term that can describe various forms of state. A republic is more specific, referring to a state without a monarch where power rests with the people and their elected representatives; a commonwealth may or may not be a republic.
What is the difference between the Commonwealth and the British Empire?
The British Empire was a collection of territories ruled directly by Britain, whereas the Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent countries, most of them former imperial territories. Membership in the Commonwealth is by choice, not by conquest or rule.
Why are some U.S. states, like Massachusetts and Virginia, called commonwealths?
These states use 'commonwealth' in their official names to emphasize that they are self-governing political communities founded for the common good of their people. Legally and practically, a state that calls itself a commonwealth has the same status as any other U.S. state.