Protectorates refer to territories or states under the protection and control of a larger and more powerful country. Synonyms for the word protectorates include dependencies, colonies, vassal states, satellite states, annexed territories, and client states. Dependencies refer to territories that are dependent on a more powerful country for protection and administration. Colonies, on the other hand, are territories that are controlled and administered by a foreign power. Vassal states refer to states that are under the protection of a more powerful state and owe allegiance or tribute to their protector. Satellite states are countries or territories that are politically dependent on a more powerful country. Annexed territories are those that have been forcibly incorporated into another country, while client states are those that receive protection and support from a more powerful state in exchange for loyalty and obedience.