nationalism

noun

na·​tion·​al·​ism ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

plural nationalisms

1

: an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups

At root, nationalism is an ideology of group rights that denigrates individualism in favor of an abstraction called "the nation." Its foundational principle is that government exists primarily to protect the culture and interests of the nation, or its dominant group. This implies that government can use its authority to protect the national culture against potential dangers—including other domestic groups and the potential spread of their cultures. To promote the dominant group, government must have the power to act assertively on its behalf, which necessarily means constraining others.

—Alex Nowrasteh and Ilya Somin

… their popular premier, who has abandoned calls for independence—and instead has embraced a nationalism based on French Québécois identity. "It's a conservative nationalism that recalls the themes of culture, history and memory," said Jacques Beauchemin, a sociologist and a leading intellectual behind this shift. "It's a return to the meaning of identity."

—Norimitsu Onishi

see also economic nationalism

2

: support for and promotion of the political independence or self-determination of a nation or people

Scottish nationalism

3

: a nationalist movement or government

… all nationalisms have their founding fathers, their basic, quasi-religious texts, their rhetoric of belonging, their historical and geographical landmarks, their official enemies and heroes. … In time, successful nationalisms arrogate truth exclusively to themselves and assign falsehood and inferiority to outsiders.

—Edward W. Said

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?

Nationalism and patriotism are similar insofar as both words emphasize strong feelings for one’s country. However, the two words are not synonymous. Nationalism, while it refers to loyalty and devotion to a nation, tends to imply the placing of that nation above others, a tendency that is not necessarily implicit in patriotism.

Is nationalism a proper noun?

Proper noun is defined as "a noun that designates a particular being or thing, does not take a limiting modifier, and is usually capitalized in English." Nationalism does not meet these criteria, and therefore is not a proper noun.

What is difference between nationalism and jingoism?

Nationalism and jingoism are closely related, as both words refer to an exaltation of one’s own nation and feelings of cultural superiority. However, jingoism, unlike nationalism, always implies military aggressiveness.

Synonyms of nationalism

• patriotism

Examples of nationalism in a Sentence

The war was caused by nationalism and greed.

Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I.

Recent Examples on the Web

An air of illegitimacy, particularly in the face of febrile nationalism, will undermine the new rulers. —Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026

Such an observer also would have recognized new mobilizations at the grassroots level, as Christian conservatives and libertarians discarded their old principles in favor of religious nationalism. —Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Its moments that highlight Nigeria’s past and present, through cultural nationalism that amplify the fair’s impact as a force driving change and increasing education and awareness of the power of art as a vehicle for transformation. —Folasade Ologundudu, Essence, 23 Dec. 2025

In Communist Bulgaria, women were commonly associated with nationalism, imagined as the functional caretakers of tradition. —Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nationalism

• Christian nationalism
• economic nationalism
• supra-nationalism

Rhymes for nationalism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

nationalism

noun

na·​tion·​al·​ism ˈnash-nəl-ˌiz-əm 

-ən-ᵊl-

: loyalty and devotion to a nation especially as expressed in a glorifying of one nation above all others and a stressing of the promotion of its culture and interests