territorial
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for territorial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to a particular area of land or territory.
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
nonterritorial
extraterritorial
How to use territorial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
territorial dispute
territorial waters
get territorial
Etymology
From Late Latin territorialis, from Latin territorium, "territory."
Full origin of territorial →Frequently asked questions
What does “territorial” mean?
The word “territorial” means relating to a particular area of land or territory. In plain terms, related to a defined area of land, or (of animals or people) protective and possessive over one's own space.
How do you pronounce “territorial”?
“Territorial” is pronounced tehr-ih-TAW-ree-uhl (/ˌtɛɹ.əˈtɔɹ.i.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “territorial” in a sentence?
Here is “territorial” used in a sentence: “The two countries have a long-running territorial dispute.”
What part of speech is “territorial”?
“Territorial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “territorial” come from?
The word “territorial” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin territorialis, from Latin territorium, "territory.".
Is “territorial” a common word?
“Territorial” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “territorial” have?
“Territorial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a particular area of land or territory.
Can "territorial" describe a person and not just an animal or land?
Yes. Applied to people, "territorial" describes someone who is protective and possessive of their own space, belongings, or role, such as a colleague who guards their responsibilities. This use draws on the same defensive instinct seen in animals.
What are common collocations with "territorial"?
Frequent pairings include territorial waters, territorial dispute, territorial rights, and territorial claim when referring to land, and territorial behaviour or territorial instinct when referring to defending one's space.
What is the difference between "territorial" and "regional"?
"Regional" simply relates to a region or area, whereas "territorial" adds the sense of ownership or control over a defined territory. "Territorial" can also carry the extra meaning of defending that space, which "regional" does not.
