leftism

noun

left·​ism ˈlef-ˌti-zəm 

variants or less commonly Leftism

1

: the principles and views of the political Left (see left entry 2 sense 3a)

also : the movement embodying these principles

2

: advocacy of or adherence to the doctrines of the Left

leftist

ˈlef-tist 

adjective

leftist noun

or less commonly Leftist

plural leftists also Leftists

Synonyms of leftism

• liberalism

Examples of leftism in a Sentence

the candidate's opponents are working overtime to paint him as a champion of extreme leftism

Recent Examples on the Web

Corrales explained that Rubio is a perfect foil for the Maduro regime, being perhaps the most prominent critic of Latin American leftism in the US government. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

The centrists contend leftism will play far worse nationwide — and in purple districts and states — than in the liberal strongholds of Manhattan and Brooklyn. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025

Kirk was seen as a particularly effective antagonist to campus leftism and to the progressive project as a whole. —Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025

Leftism is a terroristic, death worshipping cult. —Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for leftism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism