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
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.
Much of it looks at how people can be pulled toward extremism by online interactions sucking them in to supporting more violent ideologies like radical Islam as espoused by ISIS or antisemitism. Rachel Clarke, CNN Money, 24 June 2025 Outlining the extremism of this schism, Kürti points to Divízió 88 (Division 88), an anonymous neo-Nazi skinhead group founded in 2003 that folds racist, hateful lyrics into its rock and roll. Danielle Han, JSTOR Daily, 22 June 2025 The report lays out several case studies of potential violent extremists who were identified through programs funded by CP3, including a student who brought weapons to school and a parent who reported her child’s fascination with violent extremism. Will Carless, USA Today, 18 June 2025 College campuses, in many ways, have become domestic terrorist breeding grounds for militant far left extremism. Ron Morganstern, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for extremism

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremism was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremism. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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
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