metropolis
5 synonyms for metropolis, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A very large, busy city, especially the main city of a region or country.
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.
How to use metropolis
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bustling metropolis
sprawling metropolis
Etymology
From Greek mētropolis ("mother city"), from mētēr ("mother") + polis ("city").
Full origin of metropolis →Frequently asked questions
What does “metropolis” mean?
The word “metropolis” means a very large, busy city, especially the main city of a region or country. In plain terms, a huge, important city.
How do you pronounce “metropolis”?
“Metropolis” is pronounced mih-TROP-uh-lihs (/məˈtɹɑp.ə.lɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “metropolis” in a sentence?
Here is “metropolis” used in a sentence: “Tokyo has grown into a sprawling metropolis of over thirteen million people.”
What part of speech is “metropolis”?
“Metropolis” is a noun.
Where does the word “metropolis” come from?
The word “metropolis” comes from Greek. From Greek mētropolis ("mother city"), from mētēr ("mother") + polis ("city").
Is “metropolis” a common word?
“Metropolis” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a metropolis and a city?
Every metropolis is a city, but not every city is a metropolis: the term specifically describes a very large, busy city, often the dominant city of a region or country. A small or mid-sized city wouldn't typically be called a metropolis.
Is "metropolis" a formal or informal word?
"Metropolis" is a fairly formal or literary word, more common in writing and news reporting than in casual conversation, where people are more likely to simply say "big city."
What is the adjective form related to "metropolis"?
The related adjective is "metropolitan," used to describe things associated with a large city, such as a "metropolitan area" or "metropolitan police."
