commercialism

noun

com·​mer·​cial·​ism kə-ˈmər-shə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce commercialism (audio)
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.
This is the final stop on our tour, which tells the story of how reggaetón music is fueling commercialism in Medellín and transforming tourism in the city. Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 18 Mar. 2025 For an experimental project that eschewed commercialism and grew in the studio, American’s backing proved pivotal, because the label provided the time and money to make whatever music Deconstruction wanted to make, which wasn’t a privilege most bands got. Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024 Sure, there’s a reasonable and informed argument to be made that its big-budget excess, rampant commercialism, and formulaic checkbox-checking exemplify everything wrong with the AAA gaming industry right now. ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 These factions would seem to be holiday rivals of a sort, like people who can’t get enough of all Christmas and the camp bemoaning its commercialism. Colin Fleming, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025 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 6 May. 2025.

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