national
/ˈnæʃənəl/
NOUN
1. A citizen or subject of a nation
A person who belongs to a particular nation by citizenship, nationality, or legal allegiance.
1.1. Citizen or member of a country
A person who is legally recognized as belonging to a particular country and holds its nationality.
Synonyms
- citizen
- subject
- countryman
- compatriot
- fellow citizen
- countrywoman
Antonyms
- alien
- foreigner
- noncitizen
- non-national
- stranger
Examples
- Every national has certain rights and responsibilities under the laws of their country.
Related Words
- nationality
- citizenship
- resident
- inhabitant
- native
- patriot
NOUN
2. A tournament involving participants from across a country
A sporting competition or tournament in which participants from different regions of a country compete.
2.1. National sporting competition
A tournament or championship that brings together competitors from across the country to determine a national winner.
Synonyms
- national championship
- national tournament
- countrywide competition
Examples
- She qualified for the nationals after winning the regional swimming competition.
Related Words
- competition
- championship
- tournament
- finals
- athletes
ADJECTIVE
3. Relating to a nation
Of, belonging to, or concerning a nation and its people, identity, institutions, or affairs.
3.1. Related to national identity or citizenship
Describes something associated with the people, citizenship, culture, or collective identity of a particular nation.
Synonyms
- civic
- civil
- communal
- societal
- ethnic
- native
Antonyms
- foreign
- alien
- international
- global
Examples
- The national anthem filled the stadium as the athletes marched in for the opening ceremony.
- The team celebrated its victory as a source of national pride.
Related Words
- patriotic
- cultural
- nationality
- citizenship
- heritage
- compatriot
3.2. Concerning a country's government or political affairs
Describes matters involving a country's government, political institutions, public administration, or sovereign authority.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- private
- foreign
- local
- international
Examples
- The president addressed national security concerns during the press conference.
- The government introduced a new national healthcare policy.
Related Words
- administrative
- constitutional
- legislative
- executive
- republican
- democratic
3.3. Extending throughout an entire country
Describes something that applies to, operates across, or affects the whole territory of a country rather than a single locality or region.
Synonyms
- nationwide
- countrywide
- domestic
- general
- widespread
- sweeping
Antonyms
- local
- regional
- international
- global
Examples
- A national holiday was declared to commemorate the country's independence.
- The government launched a national campaign to improve public education.
Related Words
- interstate
- inland
- internal
- municipal
- coast-to-coast
- territorial
3.4. Native or belonging to a particular country
Describes something originating in, naturally belonging to, or traditionally associated with a particular country or its people.
Synonyms
- native
- indigenous
- domestic
- homegrown
- vernacular
Antonyms
- foreign
- alien
- imported
- external
Examples
- The museum displays national art and traditional crafts from different regions.
Related Words
- aboriginal
- autochthonous
- ethnic
- cultural
- traditional
- regional