anti-imperialism

noun

an·​ti-im·​pe·​ri·​al·​ism ˌan-tē-im-ˈpir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm  ˌan-tī- 

: opposition to or hostility toward imperialism

… he campaigned on a platform of anti-imperialism …

—T. E. Vedney

anti-imperialist

ˌan-tē-im-ˈpir-ē-ə-list, 

ˌan-tī- 

adjective

Carnegie wasted no time making public his anti-imperialist sentiments.

—David Nasaw

anti-imperialist noun

He gravely damaged his reputation among pacifists and anti-imperialists by his attack on Egypt in 1882 …

—Geoffrey Wheatcrof

Examples of anti-imperialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The third principle is anti-imperialism, which emerged as a pillar of leftist and progressive thought in the late nineteenth century as a reaction against European empire building. — Jonathan B. Petkun, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024

Venezuela’s socialist revolution was built on a number of principles – including anti-imperialism. — Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 11 May 2026

Newton’s philosophy blended Marxist theory, Black nationalism and anti-imperialism into a unique vision for liberation. — Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Although Garza’s rebellion was crushed, his ideas of democracy, equity, freedom of the press, and anti-imperialism would find new life in 1910 when another cross-border revolution led by Francisco Madero succeeded in toppling Díaz. — TIME, 9 Apr. 2024

Imperialism and democratic socialism One of Orwell’s earliest and most enduring political commitments was anti-imperialism – opposition to extending national power by means of colonialization or military force. — Mark Satta, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anti-imperialism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism