Synonyms for

Territorial

Verb / ˌterɪˈtɔ:ri:ʌl / Another word for territorial — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to territory or land

Synonyms & similar words

nonterritorial territorialreserve extraterritorial geographical land local regional national provincial state district boundary borders frontier contiguous neighborhood domestic native inland home homeland sovereign territorial

Synonyms by register

Formal

regional provincial jurisdictional domain-specific

Informal

possessive protective my turf

Literary

fiefdom demesne

Antonyms

unclaimed open public shared common international global

Common collocations

  • territorial dispute
  • territorial waters
  • territorial expansion
  • territorial claim
  • territorial aggression
  • territorial boundaries
  • territorial defense

Word family

noun territory
adjective territorial
adverb territorially

Usage note

Often used to describe animals defending their space or nations asserting control over land or sea. Can sometimes imply possessiveness or aggression.

Example sentences

  1. The territorial dispute between the two countries lasted for years.
  2. The cat was very territorial and would hiss at any other cats that came near its food.
  3. The territorial governor was responsible for managing the state's resources.
  4. The bird's territorial behavior was a defense mechanism to protect its nesting area.
  5. The territorial boundaries of the park were clearly marked on the map.

Quotes

  • The territorial instinct is the curse of the human race. - William James
  • The territorial state is such an ancient form of society - here in Europe it dates back thousands of years - that it is now protected by the sanctity of age and the glory of tradition. - Christian Lous Lange
  • Every territorial acquisition is thus the entering wedge for further acquisitions which follow it. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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