Puts nations into words? (6)
I believe the answer is:
states
'puts nations' is the definition.
'states' can be an answer for 'nations' ('state' can be a synonym of 'nation'). I'm not sure about the 'puts' bit.
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for states that I've seen before include "America; says" , "Conditions or circumstances" , "Countries with a central government" , "Proclaims" , "Utters in the American Union" .)