as in isles
a fairly small area of land completely surrounded by water
the island of Hawaii is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago
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Recent Examples of islands
Both Britain and Argentina have historic claims to the islands, and the two countries fought a short but fierce war in 1982 after Argentina tried to seize control of them.
—
Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 Apr. 2026
The water park is the big project that needs completing to put NCL and Royal Caribbean’s islands head to head.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Don’t forget about the Bay State’s family-friendly islands, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, when considering a Massachusetts beach vacation as well.
—Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The islands, a British territory off the coast of Argentina, are claimed and widely recognized as belonging to the British Crown.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
If that is true, the trees couldn’t be much more than 13,000 years old (since this is the oldest human date from the islands).
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
This year’s list covers the latest and greatest, including a New York icon back after an eight-year renovation, the properties redefining wellness, tiny but mighty dining rooms punching above their weight, and ships reacquainting us with beloved Caribbean islands.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
One of the challenges of this new novel was matching its heartbeat to the rhythm of the islands.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government are not completely scrapping the plan to hand the islands to Mauritius.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 Apr. 2026
The water park is the big project that needs completing to put NCL and Royal Caribbean’s islands head to head.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Don’t forget about the Bay State’s family-friendly islands, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, when considering a Massachusetts beach vacation as well.
—Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The islands, a British territory off the coast of Argentina, are claimed and widely recognized as belonging to the British Crown.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
If that is true, the trees couldn’t be much more than 13,000 years old (since this is the oldest human date from the islands).
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
This year’s list covers the latest and greatest, including a New York icon back after an eight-year renovation, the properties redefining wellness, tiny but mighty dining rooms punching above their weight, and ships reacquainting us with beloved Caribbean islands.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
One of the challenges of this new novel was matching its heartbeat to the rhythm of the islands.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government are not completely scrapping the plan to hand the islands to Mauritius.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for islands
Noun
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The Best Wildlife Cruises Around the World From Arctic ice to equatorial isles, these wildlife cruises bring you face to face with the planet’s most extraordinary creatures.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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The Greek isles have a rhythm all their own and the best Mykonos Airbnbs are some of the finest ways to soak in all of that otherworldly seaside beauty for yourself.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This island is farther flung than most, but the 35-minute flight by seaplane from Mal gives a spectacular view of the atolls at 5000 feet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Republic of the Marshall Islands, or RMI, is situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia and comprises 29 atolls, five islands, and 1,151 inlets, spread across 750,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.—
Cheri Lucas Rowlands,
Longreads,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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On the Peruvian side, travelers can visit the Uros floating islands, the artificial islets woven from totora reeds and home to communities that have lived here for centuries, then settle into a rustic homestay at Amantaní for a quieter look at life on the lake.—
Carla Vianna,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
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Although it was affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Siesta Key—part of a string of islets along Florida’s southwest coast—is well on its way to recovery.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Islands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/islands. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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