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

China denies the allegations, describing the facilities as vocational training centers aimed at combating extremism and terrorism. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026

In other cases, organizations even removed research relating to far-right extremism from public view. —Odette Yousef, NPR, 12 May 2026

Foxman thrived for decades in a political culture where the establishment still mattered, and extremism was not considered a virtue. —Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026

Local law enforcement cannot work preventively alone, and our federal partners have a much clearer picture of online extremism. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 8 May 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