banana republic

noun

: a small dependent country usually of the tropics

especially : one run despotically

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The larger message on the right, and in every facet of the Republican Party, was that investigating Donald Trump was akin to the way a banana republic operates, a clear abuse of power aimed at clipping the feathers of a political rival.

Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 9 Aug. 2022 What happens if corrupt politicians and powerful judges permanently change America into a banana republic or a police state?

San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2022 But while the verdict was right in this case, another line has been crossed against the rule of law by political opportunists, which makes our country continue to look ever more like a banana republic.

Star Tribune, 21 Apr. 2021 No aspersions intended toward an ex-East Bloc prison house or a former banana republic, but that's really embarrassing for Abraham Lincoln's last best hope.

Star Tribune, 28 Mar. 2021 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused President Trump of running a banana republic after his recent photo-op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church during protests in Washington.

Madison Dibble, Washington Examiner, 3 June 2020 Clearly, creating an effective blanket immunity for those powerful enough to run for president is truly the stuff of banana republics.

Luke Thompson, National Review, 29 Sep. 2019 By labeling law-abiding political opponents criminal and enforcing state sanctions on that basis, San Francisco is taking the path of the banana republic.

David French, National Review, 10 Sep. 2019 If this is a banana republic with a few very, very rich people and everyone else living in misery, that’s a failure.

Casey Tolan, The Mercury News, 9 July 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'banana republic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of banana republic was in 1901

See more words from the same year

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'Banana Republic': A History

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Dictionary Entries Near banana republic

bananaquit

banana republic

Banana River

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Banana republic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banana%20republic. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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