isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
 also  ˌi-
: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism 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.
Businesses and society must navigate the challenge of advancing a more diverse and resilient global digital ecosystem but without falling into isolationism or being dominated by a handful of tech giants subservient to foreign laws. Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 That term was popularized between the two world wars and served as the name of the powerful populist movement to preserve U.S. isolationism and promote our diplomatic distance from the rest of the world. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 Although American attitudes continued to fluctuate between seeking an active global role and retreating into isolationism, the threat from Moscow ensured that Washington would remain deeply engaged in Europe until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Antony Beevor, Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2025 This paradigm largely represents the regional dynamics of internationalism and isolationism that can still be seen in the U.S. today. Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolationism

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isolationism was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Isolationism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolationism. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun
iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on isolationism

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