as in hostility
tendency to extend power or control over others especially through the use of force
Violent conquer of other nations is one extreme form of imperialism.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imperialism
And the Irish were oppressed by imperialism, for hundreds of years, and President Kennedy was an Irish Catholic.
—
Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026
Kim, who took power in 1946, reframed Christianity as a symptom of American imperialism and repurposed its rituals with himself at the center, instituting requirements for ideological activities and imposing harsh punishments on those who failed to show sufficient devotion.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
This week’s special legislative session reeks of imperialism.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
For Mussolini in Italy, new grand boulevards and imposing architecture signaled an ideological connection to Roman imperialism.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026
Kim, who took power in 1946, reframed Christianity as a symptom of American imperialism and repurposed its rituals with himself at the center, instituting requirements for ideological activities and imposing harsh punishments on those who failed to show sufficient devotion.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
This week’s special legislative session reeks of imperialism.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
For Mussolini in Italy, new grand boulevards and imposing architecture signaled an ideological connection to Roman imperialism.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
-
This one would stop hostilities between the countries and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Beyond the price of specific things households need, an end to the hostilities will likely also mean that broad measures of inflation will come down.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
This time in the ring, Louis was supported by white and Black Americans alike, who were more unified against German aggression as World War II loomed.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
-
Twelve years later, there’s more salt and pepper in Rogen’s beard and more vinegar in his demeanor; the let-it-all-hang-out comic boisterousness of his Judd Apatow days has hardened into a shell of middle-aged aggression.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Germany, Austria, and other countries turn to protectionism, xenophobia, militarism.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
-
Today, supposedly sophisticated moderns have laundered Moloch’s dark faith into militarism, imperialism, and capitalism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
This was an era of over-the-top displays of patriotism and even jingoism; the phrase Let’s make America great again was in.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Tapping into national pride — dare say jingoism — might have done the trick.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Yet signs of pressing persist as the Padres steer solutions toward aggressiveness on the basepaths.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
The aggressiveness was needed on a night Spurs head coach directed players to pick Brunson up full-court after San Antonio makes.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
