extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism

extremist

ik-ˈstrē-mist 

noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Military action alone cannot defeat extremism; it must be paired with a credible, alternative political vision. —Ami Ayalon, Time, 18 Aug. 2025

Incumbents grow unassailable, accountable only to low-turnout partisan primaries, which reward extremism and penalize compromise. —Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025

Researchers who study trends and pathways to radicalization suggest social media and the internet have played a significant role in all stages of a person's exposure to extremism. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Hamas has failed at governance but succeeded at redirecting blame, cultivating despair and extremism, and planting the seeds of future wars. —Margaux Chetrit, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extremism

• endemism

Kids Definition

extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics

extremist

-məst 

noun or adjective