incrementalism

noun

in·​cre·​men·​tal·​ism ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce incrementalism (audio)
: a policy or advocacy of a policy of political or social change by degrees : gradualism
incrementalist noun

Examples of incrementalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After 16 years of cautious incrementalism under Chancellor Angela Merkel, many Germans welcomed the new coalition’s determination to push for change. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2023 Many supporters of Ukraine have criticized the piecemeal delivery of aid and other forms of incrementalism. Austin Carson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2023 This has been a consistent talking point in her work: that incrementalism is not just insufficient but often damaging. Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2023 What is striking is precisely that the diverse countries in our sample show common patterns: histories of polarization, a crucial role for legislative acquiescence—a key component of our argument that Norris ignores—and strategies of stealth and incrementalism. Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2021 This recipe leads to incrementalism, not disruption. Rakesh Kumar, Fortune, 13 June 2023 Radical incrementalism has been mostly embraced in academia, policymaking, and even self-improvement. Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 22 Feb. 2023 Semi-Rad Meditations on radical incrementalism for the adventurer Heading out the door? Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 22 Feb. 2023 Progressives, from the center-left to the far left, both inside and outside government, view moral issues through an absolutist lens and reject any incrementalism or pragmatic compromise in U.S. policy. Shay Khatiri, National Review, 12 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incrementalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incrementalism was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near incrementalism

Cite this Entry

“Incrementalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incrementalism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!