opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-ˌni-zəm 
-ˈtyü-
: the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences
Examples of opportunism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s darkly comic tale of cannibalistic opportunism entrenched itself in the theatrical canon, countless marquee performers have taken turns wielding Mrs. Lovett’s rolling pin and Cockney affectation.
—
Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024
These criticisms of Biden’s conduct are perfectly valid, but the Democratic Party’s unabashed opportunism would produce no political rewards if Republicans did not play directly into the president’s hands.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024
If the scale of such Japanese opportunism grows, Washington will likely apply some kind of pressure to stop the Japanese effort.
—Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Yes, there is cynical opportunism in every country’s foreign policy at some point.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2024
In an expressionistic touch, the ballet includes not only a Chanel figure but also a Shadow-Chanel, who represents her ambition, determination and opportunism.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024
This new version has been produced by Oprah Winfrey according to the opportunism of Black Lives Matter and vengeful #MeToo feminism.
—Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024
But the apparent affinity between the Kremlin and Mr. Carlson probably runs much deeper than mere opportunism.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2024
The book is perhaps most striking in its portrayal of Hancock as a man driven by opportunism rather than principle.
—Guy Denton, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024
Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024
These criticisms of Biden’s conduct are perfectly valid, but the Democratic Party’s unabashed opportunism would produce no political rewards if Republicans did not play directly into the president’s hands.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024
If the scale of such Japanese opportunism grows, Washington will likely apply some kind of pressure to stop the Japanese effort.
—Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Yes, there is cynical opportunism in every country’s foreign policy at some point.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2024
In an expressionistic touch, the ballet includes not only a Chanel figure but also a Shadow-Chanel, who represents her ambition, determination and opportunism.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024
This new version has been produced by Oprah Winfrey according to the opportunism of Black Lives Matter and vengeful #MeToo feminism.
—Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024
But the apparent affinity between the Kremlin and Mr. Carlson probably runs much deeper than mere opportunism.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2024
The book is perhaps most striking in its portrayal of Hancock as a man driven by opportunism rather than principle.
—Guy Denton, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opportunism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near opportunism
Cite this Entry
“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunism. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm
: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen
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