expansionism

noun

ex·​pan·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspan(t)-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce expansionism (audio)
: a policy or practice of expansion and especially of territorial expansion by a nation
expansionist noun
expansionist adjective
or less commonly expansionistic

Examples of expansionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The biggest threat to national security is China's aggressive expansionism. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2024 At the same time, by propping up Moscow’s expansionism, Beijing is keeping NATO in check and distracting the United States from paying attention to the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2024 Biden also protected the Affordable Care Act, reduced prices on drugs like insulin, stood by Israel when it was attacked, and fought Russian expansionism in Ukraine. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2024 Getting allies on the same page would allow Washington to galvanize international support against Beijing’s aggression and expansionism. Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for expansionism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expansionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansionism was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near expansionism

Cite this Entry

“Expansionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansionism. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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