isolationism

1 of 3

noun (1)

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm 

also ˌi-

: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations

isolationist

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nist 

also ˌi-

noun or adjective

isolationist

2 of 3

noun (2)

iso·​la·​tion·​ist

plural -s

: one that advocates or believes in isolationism

criticism … not from isolationists but from internationalists

—Atlantic

anthropological isolationists

isolationist

3 of 3

adjective

: of, characterized by, or favoring isolationism

the orthodox believe that much money can be saved, especially of what now goes to foreign aid, by a more isolationist foreign policy

—Walter Lippmann

the country was in an overwhelmingly isolationist mood

—F. L. Allen

culturally as well as politically isolationist

—Christian Gauss

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But now there's a new threat from the populist right that would embrace policies of isolationism abroad, that would embrace big government and protectionism at home, marginalize the right to life. — CBS News, 31 May 2026

America First is not isolationism. — NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026

That streak of isolationism resonated with parts of his MAGA coalition. — Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

Besides presenting a wide range of arts and entertainment, the event is meant to generate a spirit of global togetherness at a time when some are embracing isolationism and intolerance. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for isolationism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm 

: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations

isolationist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun or adjective