fundamentalism

noun

fun·​da·​men·​tal·​ism ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm 

1

a

often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching

b

: the beliefs of this movement

c

: adherence to such beliefs

a minister noted for his strict fundamentalism

2

: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles

Islamic fundamentalism

political fundamentalism

fundamentalist

ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-list 

noun

fundamentalist adjective

or fundamentalistic

ˌfən-də-ˌmen-tə-ˈli-stik 

Examples of fundamentalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Is what was once an oasis of innovation and free-thinking now in hock to a fundamentalism as blunt as a machete? —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025

Nigeria has had a long history with Islamic fundamentalism. —Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Is what was once an oasis of innovation and free-thinking now in hock to a fundamentalism as blunt as a machete? —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Aug. 2025

Palestinian claims, in his description, were a propaganda tool of Arab nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism. —Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

fundamental entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for fundamentalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism