dialectical materialism
noun
: the Marxist theory that maintains the material basis of a reality constantly changing in a dialectical process and the priority of matter over mind compare historical materialism
Examples of dialectical materialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This sacred commingling—a dialectical materialism, really—gave us our pale blue dot.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
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.
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dialectical materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dialectical%20materialism. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
