extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism

extremist

ik-ˈstrē-mist 

noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Critical thinking and philosophy entered high schools in 2021 to help combat extremism. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

And what was shocking to me is that very few people mentioned the Thiel relationship - the depth of the Thiel relationship - or the extremism of the ideas behind it. — Tonya Mosley, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026

Mideast and European commentators who closely follow Islamic extremism across the continent say Europe’s political class needs to tackle the origins of radical Islamism to prevent terrorism. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

On the eve of the primary, El-Sayed once again campaigned with Piker, which Republicans pointed to as evidence of a broader ideological extremism. — Nik Popli, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics

extremist

-məst 

noun or adjective