isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm 

also ˌi-

: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations

isolationist

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nist 

also ˌi-

noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No wonder the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer finds a world retreating into isolationism. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026

While the first 28 Years Later reflects isolationism — the rest of the world leaving Great Britain to fend for itself, and Spike cutting all ties to set off alone — The Bone Temple depicts the danger of tribalism. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor ended powerful American isolationism. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

The clarion call to pay attention to matters at home and avoid military fights overseas echoed the isolationism of the Republican Party in the 1920s. —Jamie Dupree, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for isolationism

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

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm 

: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations

isolationist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun or adjective