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extremism

noun
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ex·​trem·​ism | \ ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce extremism (audio) \

Definition of extremism

1 : the quality or state of being extreme
2 : advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism
Other Words from extremism Example Sentences Learn More about extremism

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Other Words from extremism

extremist \ ik-​ˈstrē-​mist How to pronounce extremist (audio) \ noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Members of the Hindu Sena, a right-wing fringe group which says Trump shares their hatred of Islamic extremism, have been rehearsing a welcome song ahead of his visit, according to the outlet. — Fox News, "Trump fans in India worship president with statues, prayers as government accused of 'hiding' slums behind walls," 20 Feb. 2020 What kind of approach is needed to stop the spread of online extremism? — Madeline Roache, Time, "This Researcher Juggled Five Different Identities to Go Undercover With Far-Right and Islamist Extremists. Here's What She Found," 18 Feb. 2020 Like films from the Middle East, Baghdad in My Shadow sadly acknowledges the powerlessness of the older, more sensible members of the community to counteract the influence of extremism on their children. — Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Baghdad in My Shadow': Film Review," 3 Feb. 2020 Burkina Faso’s military, despite training and assistance from France and the United States, has struggled to contain the spread of extremism. — Washington Post, "Burkina Faso to arm civilians in fight against extremists," 23 Jan. 2020 Stereotypes of the anti-human are the armature of extremism. — John-paul Pagano, National Review, "Blood Libel: The Conspiracy Theory That Jews Are ‘Anti-Human’," 23 Sep. 2019 Push to end the spread of violent extremism online. — Alex Ward, Vox, "Buttigieg’s plan to combat domestic terrorism," 7 Aug. 2019 Where there is a need for education and employment in the region, Qatar contributes generously to prevent the spread of extremism. — WSJ, "Qatar’s Banks Are No Haven for Terrorists," 30 June 2019 Torturing people who are clearly dying is extremism. — Cassidy Morrison, Washington Examiner, "Texas anti-abortion groups split over case of 11-month-old on life support," 20 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extremism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of extremism

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for extremism

Time Traveler

The first known use of extremism was in 1865

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Statistics for extremism

Last Updated

23 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremism. Accessed 27 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for extremism

extremism

noun
How to pronounce extremism (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of extremism

: belief in and support for ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable

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More from Merriam-Webster on extremism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for extremism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with extremism

Britannica English: Translation of extremism for Arabic Speakers

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