interstate
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for interstate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Involving or connecting two or more states.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
intrastate
How to use interstate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
interstate commerce
take the interstate
interstate highway
Etymology
Formed from inter- ("between") and state; the highway sense comes from "interstate highway."
Full origin of interstate →Frequently asked questions
What does “interstate” mean?
The word “interstate” means involving or connecting two or more states. In plain terms, something that spans or connects multiple US states, or, informally, a major American highway.
How do you pronounce “interstate”?
“Interstate” is pronounced IHNT-stayt (/ˈɪntɚˌsteɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “interstate” in a sentence?
Here is “interstate” used in a sentence: “Interstate trade is regulated at the federal level.”
What part of speech is “interstate”?
Depending on how it is used, “interstate” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “interstate” a common word?
“Interstate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “interstate” have?
“Interstate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: involving or connecting two or more states.
What is the difference between interstate and intrastate?
"Interstate" describes something that involves or connects two or more states, such as interstate commerce or interstate travel. "Intrastate" refers to something that stays entirely within a single state. The key contrast is between (between states) and within (one state).
When is "Interstate" capitalized in reference to a highway?
It is capitalized when part of a proper name, such as "Interstate 95" or "the Interstate Highway System." As a general adjective meaning "between states" (interstate trade), it stays lowercase.
What is the difference between an interstate and a freeway?
In the US, an interstate is specifically a highway that belongs to the national Interstate Highway System. "Freeway" is a broader term for any divided highway with no traffic lights or at-grade crossings, so not every freeway is an interstate.
How does "interstate" work as a noun versus an adjective?
As an adjective, "interstate" describes anything involving two or more states, as in interstate travel. As a noun in American English, it names a major highway in the Interstate Highway System, as in "we took the interstate."
