leftism

noun

left·​ism ˈlef-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce leftism (audio)
1
: the principles and views of the left
also : the movement embodying these principles
2
: advocacy of or adherence to the doctrines of the left
leftist noun or adjective

Examples of leftism in a Sentence

the candidate's opponents are working overtime to paint him as a champion of extreme leftism
Recent Examples on the Web To combat leftism in America, conservatives would need to wage a much broader war. Nicholas Confessore, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2024 Republican audiences by and large have come to associate fascists and Nazis with ideological leftism. Time, 22 Aug. 2023 The collision of high-minded leftism, Park Avenue wealth, and Black radical politics was irresistible as a subject for Wolfe to mock. Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2023 Over 68% of Republicans think Nazis are left-of-center and about 43% say Nazis are the pinnacle of leftism. Time, 22 Aug. 2023 The Soviet Union’s rise and the onset of the Cold War made all leftism, particularly socialism, deeply suspect, and a new Red Scare would drive much of it underground. Ross Barkan, The New Republic, 3 Aug. 2023 The rich and tragic history of American leftism is very rarely depicted in blockbuster movies, but Oppenheimer is a striking exception—not since Warren Beatty’s Reds (1981) has a mainstream Hollywood historical epic portrayed American Communists with such sympathy and nuance. David Klion, The New Republic, 21 July 2023 Now, that last bulwark against full leftism has been removed, and the consequences are in full view. The Editors, National Review, 31 May 2023 The book is an expression of the old liberalism, supplanted by leftism and other flavors of illiberalism. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leftism.' 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

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of leftism was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near leftism

Cite this Entry

“Leftism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leftism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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