isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
 also  ˌi-
: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

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.
The era lasted from 1603 to 1868 and was marked by stability, prosperity and isolationism, brought about by the military reign of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 But business leaders who were looking forward to an era of tax cuts and deregulation to continue that trajectory have been disappointed by Trump’s focus instead on economic populism and isolationism. Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 The Trump administration’s recent shift toward U.S. isolationism regarding global affairs — and particularly those more acutely affecting Europe, such as the war in Ukraine — piled pressure on the U.K. and European Union to agree on a deal. Holly Ellyatt,silvia Amaro, CNBC, 19 May 2025 The former prime minister was wildly popular in his first term, especially as a progressive celebrating diversity and as someone who opposed Mr. Trump’s first-term isolationism. Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolationism

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isolationism was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Isolationism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolationism. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun
iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on isolationism

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