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vassal

[vas-uhl] / ˈvæs əl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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“Our customers have declined to become vassal states of the language labs. And the market is now shifting dramatically underfoot.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

According to the polling expert, Mr Lee, "a growing portion of the public now believes China wants to turn South Korea into some kind of vassal state".

From BBC ● Feb. 19, 2025

The sole survivor of a disgraced noble family, Mariko’s past looms over her commitment to her duties as Toranaga’s vassal, a wife and a devout Catholic.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2024

Fealty in medieval Europe was an oath of fidelity in which the vassal pledged not to harm his lord or damage to his property.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 12, 2023

Only in 1428 did Itzacoatl, a newly selected tlatoani, ally with two other small vassal states to overthrow their mutual overlords.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

I’ll note that the demon is a more honest and fair negotiator than his vassals, who occasionally cheat and are punished in exactly the way you’re hoping to see.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2026

Toranaga gathers his vassals in Edo to certify his big decision.

From New York Times ● Apr. 9, 2024

The vassals have a duty to give honest advice, and their advice is that this course of action is madness.

From New York Times ● Apr. 9, 2024

“But if you read between the lines, that’s what it means—these were vassals, probably of Tikal directly and Teotihuacán indirectly.”

From National Geographic ● Jan. 26, 2024

In mediæval times homage was exacted of all vassals.

From New Word-Analysis by William Swinton


Vocabulary lists containing vassal

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