consciousness-raising
noun
cons·cious·ness-rais·ing
ˈkän(t)-shəs-nəs-ˌrā-ziŋ 
: an increasing of concerned awareness especially of some social or political issue
Examples of consciousness-raising in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benjamin insisted that media ought to restore humans to a sense of being together in experience, thereby fostering political consciousness-raising.
—
Caroline A. Jones, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
The Feminist Press The story follows Esther, a divorced professor who falls in love during the social upheaval and feminist consciousness-raising of the 1970s.
—Jillian Eugenios, NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024
Much like the practice of consciousness-raising occurring in feminist circles during the same years, early men’s rights organizations offered social connection and a sense of political purpose to their members.
—Theresa Iker / Made By History, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024
As a rule, these thrillers do not venture past such moments of consciousness-raising.
—Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024
While these efforts have shined a spotlight on the importance of breast cancer awareness, doctors agree that there should be just as much emphasis on preventive care and consciousness-raising to heart health.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 25 June 2024
Feminism starts out with consciousness-raising and asking, What are women?
—Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2024
Schulman: The consciousness-raising really started in the ’60s.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023
Poland's experience demonstrates the limited efficacy of consciousness-raising without institutional change.
—Marta Figlerowicz, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2019
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.
Caroline A. Jones, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
The Feminist Press The story follows Esther, a divorced professor who falls in love during the social upheaval and feminist consciousness-raising of the 1970s.
—Jillian Eugenios, NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024
Much like the practice of consciousness-raising occurring in feminist circles during the same years, early men’s rights organizations offered social connection and a sense of political purpose to their members.
—Theresa Iker / Made By History, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024
As a rule, these thrillers do not venture past such moments of consciousness-raising.
—Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024
While these efforts have shined a spotlight on the importance of breast cancer awareness, doctors agree that there should be just as much emphasis on preventive care and consciousness-raising to heart health.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 25 June 2024
Feminism starts out with consciousness-raising and asking, What are women?
—Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2024
Schulman: The consciousness-raising really started in the ’60s.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023
Poland's experience demonstrates the limited efficacy of consciousness-raising without institutional change.
—Marta Figlerowicz, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Consciousness-raising.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness-raising. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share