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public

pub·lic

public

 
 
pronunciation:
puh blihk
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
phrases:
in public
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, noun), Word Builder
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: of, for, or pertaining to all members of a community; not private.
This is a public matter and shouldn't be decided behind closed doors.The town hall and the library are public buildings.
synonyms:
common, communal
antonyms:
personal, private, privileged, restricted
similar words:
civil, social, societal
definition 2: connected with or serving the people or government.
State senator was the first public office to which she was elected.
synonyms:
civic, governmental, political
antonyms:
private
similar words:
common, communal, federal, local, municipal, national, state
definition 3: shared by or open to all.
The townspeople discussed the issue at a public meeting last week.
synonyms:
common, free, open
antonyms:
private, privileged, secret
similar words:
accessible, available, general, mass, shared, unrestricted
definition 4: known by all.
Scandals like these always bring embarrassment, or worse, to public figures like the Senator.
synonyms:
conspicuous, famous, prominent, renowned, well-known
antonyms:
obscure, unknown
similar words:
common, general, known, popular, universal, widespread
definition 5: carried out in public.
He felt uncomfortable with public displays of affection.
synonyms:
open
antonyms:
covert, isolated, private
similar words:
overt, unconcealed
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a community of people as a whole.
These government officials are elected by the public.News of the attack was not announced to the public until the following day.The palatial mansion is now a museum and open to the public.The police are sworn to serve the public.
synonyms:
citizenry, commonwealth, community, country, nation, people, tribe
similar words:
folk, masses, populace, population
definition 2: a specified category of people, esp. those sharing a common interest.
The car-buying public turned to smaller cars at that point.
synonyms:
audience, populace, population
similar words:
market
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: in public
Word Builder: public +
  • publicly:
    in the presence of many people; in public.