extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce extremism (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being extreme
2
: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism
extremist noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But this is a conservative district and local Republicans were right to hold off the extremism of Bailey. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Oct. 2024 Also that most party adherents overestimated the degree of extremism within the other party. David Conrads, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2024 The latest from director Justin Kurzel explores the extremism of a white supremacist group. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 Sep. 2024 Given the extraordinary threats to democracy now emerging in the political system, the stories of these two counties, and of the disparate responses to extremism, have huge resonance for American politics. Sasha Abramsky, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extremism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extremism.' 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

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremism was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near extremism

Cite this Entry

“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremism. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

extremism

noun
ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce extremism (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being extreme
2
: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics
extremist noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on extremism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!