extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism

extremist

ik-ˈstrē-mist 

noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But peacefully speaking out for civilians suffering in war is neither terrorism nor extremism. — Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Islamic extremism remains the biggest threat but over the past five years, threats from far-right groups and hostile states have significantly grown, said Laurence Taylor, head of counterterrorism police. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Some insiders have pushed for toning down anti-Western extremism and for cultivating relations with Western countries. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

AfD vehemently rejects accusations of extremism and argues the agency is being used as a political instrument by mainstream parties. — David Keyton, Christian Science Monitor, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics

extremist

-məst 

noun or adjective