noun
Common
republican
rih-PUHB-lih-kuhn
Republican (noun) means a person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch. Example: “He was a lifelong republican, opposed to any return of the monarchy.”
noun
1
A person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch.
"He was a lifelong republican, opposed to any return of the monarchy."
"Republicans across Europe pushed for elected heads of state."
2
(capitalized) A member or supporter of the Republican Party in the United States.
"She has voted Republican in every election since 1990."
"The Republican candidate won the state by a narrow margin."
3
In Ireland, someone who supports a united, independent Ireland.
"Republican sentiment remained strong in parts of Northern Ireland."
How to use republican
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who favors government without a monarch, or (capitalized) a member of the US Republican Party.
UK vs US
Capitalize "Republican" when referring to the American political party; lowercase "republican" describes the general political stance of opposing monarchy.
Common pairings
Republican Party
staunch republican
republican movement
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Word forms
- Plural
- republicans
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He was a lifelong _____, opposed to any return of the monarchy.
Etymology
From republic plus the adjective ending -an, reinforced by French républicain.
Synonyms
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anti-monarchist
anti-royalist
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for republican
See all rhymes for republican →Frequently asked questions
What does “republican” mean?
The word “republican” means a person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch. In plain terms, someone who favors government without a monarch, or (capitalized) a member of the US Republican Party.
How do you pronounce “republican”?
“Republican” is pronounced rih-PUHB-lih-kuhn (/ɹɪˈpʌblɪkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “republican” in a sentence?
Here is “republican” used in a sentence: “He was a lifelong republican, opposed to any return of the monarchy.”
What part of speech is “republican”?
“Republican” is a noun.
Where does the word “republican” come from?
The word “republican” comes from French. From republic plus the adjective ending -an, reinforced by French républicain.
Is “republican” a common word?
“Republican” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “republican” have?
“Republican” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch.
What is the difference between a republican and a monarchist?
A republican believes a country should be led by elected representatives, with no king or queen as head of state. A monarchist believes in keeping a monarch, whether ruling or ceremonial. The two hold opposite views on how the highest office in a nation should be filled.
What is the difference between a republican and a Republican?
Written with a small 'r', a republican is anyone who supports a republic over a monarchy. Capitalised, Republican usually means a member or supporter of the United States Republican Party. The first is a general political idea; the second is a specific party allegiance.
What does it mean to be a republican in Britain?
In Britain, a republican is someone who wants to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state. It describes a constitutional position rather than a party — British republicans span the political spectrum and are united mainly by their wish to end hereditary rule.
What do republicans believe?
Republicans hold that political power should rest with the people and their elected representatives, not with a hereditary ruler. They value accountability, the idea that a head of state should be chosen on merit, and the principle that public office should not pass down through a single family.
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