Synonyms for

Public

Verb / ˈpʌblɪk / Another word for public — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to or affecting all the people or the whole area of a country or a community

Synonyms & similar words

world private populace community shared open common collective general free available accessible universal popular mass national municipal governmental official state federal civil civic

Synonyms by register

Formal

communal societal civic common

Informal

open out in the open for everyone

Literary

commonwealth populace

Antonyms

private personal secret hidden confidential individual exclusive

Common collocations

  • public transport
  • public opinion
  • public health
  • public speaking
  • public property
  • public sector
  • public interest
  • public square

Word family

noun public
adjective public
adverb publicly

Usage note

The word 'public' can refer to people in general or to something accessible to or shared by all. Be mindful of its use in contrast to 'private'.

Example sentences

  1. The public park is a great place to play with friends.
  2. The public transportation system is reliable and affordable.
  3. The public health clinic provides free vaccinations for children.
  4. The public beach is always crowded during the summer.
  5. The public opinion polls show a shift in attitudes towards climate change.

Quotes

  • The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants. - Albert Camus
  • The public is the only critic whose opinion is worth anything at all. - Mark Twain
  • Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion. - Henry David Thoreau

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