commercialism

noun

com·​mer·​cial·​ism kə-ˈmər-shə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce commercialism (audio)
Synonyms of commercialismnext
1
: commercial spirit, institutions, or methods
2
: excessive emphasis on profit
commercialist noun
commercialistic adjective

Examples of commercialism in a Sentence

the commercialism of modern society the increasing commercialism of the Christmas holiday
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Everything artificial belongs here—the Backrooms absorbs tacky trophies of commercialism. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 As print and television media fumbled their way online, Gawker used the internet to pull back the curtain on celebrity, mainstream media, politics and creeping commercialism. Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026 This rampant commercialism has taken over our sentimental holidays. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 Once tourist fodder, the musical has remained a byword for hokey commercialism. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for commercialism

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commercialism was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Commercialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commercialism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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