antirepublican: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “antirepublican” mean?
Opposed to or against the principles, systems, or supporters of a republic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Opposed to or against the principles, systems, or supporters of a republic; opposing republican government.
Can describe policies, actions, rhetoric, sentiments, or individuals that seek to undermine, criticize, or dismantle republican forms of government, which are typically characterized by elected representatives and the absence of a hereditary monarch. Often used in political discourse and historical analysis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term sees more frequent historical use in British contexts discussing the monarchy vs. republic debate (e.g., antirepublican sentiments in defence of the Crown). In American contexts, it is rarer and more theoretical, as the US is foundationally a republic; here it might describe opposition to the specific American republican system or its values.
Connotations
UK: Often carries connotations related to the debate about the British monarchy. Can be a neutral descriptor or a pejorative, depending on the speaker's stance. US: Tends to be a strong, stark pejorative, implying opposition to the nation's foundational principles. Can border on 'un-American' in rhetoric.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. Slightly higher profile in UK political commentary due to the active republican movement. In the US, it is a niche term found in academic or highly charged political arguments.
Grammar
How to Use “antirepublican” in a Sentence
[be] deemed/considered/labeled antirepublican[action/policy] smacks of/is antirepublicanaccuse [someone] of being antirepublicanVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antirepublican” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - No standard verb form.
American English
- N/A - No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverb form. One might say 'in an antirepublican manner'.
American English
- N/A - No standard adverb form. One might say 'acting antirepublicanly' (very awkward).
adjective
British English
- The historian identified several antirepublican clauses in the proposed treaty.
- His antirepublican leanings were well known in royal circles.
American English
- The philosopher's argument was criticized as inherently antirepublican.
- They feared the general's antirepublican coup.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and law to describe ideologies, historical actors, or constitutional theories opposed to republican governance.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in discussions about political systems, often in countries debating monarchy.
Technical
Used as a precise classificatory term in political philosophy to denote opposition to 'res publica' (public matter) governance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antirepublican”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antirepublican”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antirepublican”
- Misspelling as 'anti-republican' (hyphenated form is also accepted, but solid form is standard).
- Confusing it with being against the US Republican Party (that would be 'anti-Republican' with a capital R).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'undemocratic' (it is specifically opposed to republicanism, which is one form of democracy).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Antirepublican' (lowercase 'r') refers to opposition to a republican system of government. 'Anti-Republican' (capital 'R') refers to opposition to the US Republican Party or, in other countries, a party named 'Republican'.
Yes. A person who holds antirepublican views can be called 'an antirepublican' (e.g., 'The plotters were known antirepublicans').
Often, but not necessarily. One can be antirepublican by advocating for a different non-monarchical system, such as a theocracy or a direct dictatorship, without supporting a hereditary monarch.
In British English, /ˌæn.ti-/ ('an-tee') is standard. In American English, both /ˌæn.taɪ-/ ('an-tie') and /ˌæn.t̬i-/ ('an-tee') are used, with the former being more common.
Opposed to or against the principles, systems, or supporters of a republic.
Antirepublican is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself functions as a politically charged label.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Anti-' (against) + 'Republican' (like the form of government). It's against the 'republic'.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL STANCE IS A DIRECTION/BATTLE LINE. (e.g., 'His views are firmly on the antirepublican side of the argument.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'antirepublican' MOST likely to be used accurately?