expansionism

noun

ex·​pan·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspan(t)-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce expansionism (audio)
: a policy or practice of expansion and especially of territorial expansion by a nation
expansionist noun
expansionist adjective
or less commonly expansionistic

Examples of expansionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If Ukraine wins, Russia’s expansionism will be halted. David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin spent the first 30 minutes of his two-hour interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson giving a revisionist historical tirade on the founding myths of Russia and Ukraine, the breakup of the Soviet Union and NATO expansionism. Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Thus, the logic of Moscow’s intention to press its campaign of territorial expansionism into Europe was laid bare. Noah Rothman, National Review, 9 Feb. 2024 Soccer, in their reading, became an indicator of American cultural expansionism. Rory Smith, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2023 Despite concerns over repression and accelerating autocracy, the Biden administration has been actively courting Modi, hoping that India can help contain Chinese expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2023 The rapidly growing space ethics literature discusses several reasons for space expansionism, for example, new scientific knowledge and discovery, long-term survival of humanity, economic benefits, inspiration and adventure. Kirsi Lehto, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2023 The challenge of combating Russian expansionism is real and formidable. Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 But unlike India, Nepal has taken a stand at the United Nations against Russia’s violent expansionism. Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expansionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansionism was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near expansionism

Cite this Entry

“Expansionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansionism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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