* Historical: "Ancient Athens was a powerful city-state known for its democracy and culture."
* Modern: "Singapore is a modern city-state with a strong economy and a diverse population."
* Comparative: "Unlike the sprawling empires of the ancient world, the city-states of Renaissance Italy were relatively small and independent."
* Figurative: "The bustling metropolis felt like a self-contained city-state, with its own unique customs and traditions."
* Descriptive: "The city-state of Monaco is famous for its opulent casinos and its royal family."