materialism
noun
ma·te·ri·al·ism
mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter (see matter entry 1 sense 2)
scientific materialism
b
: a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress
c
: a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused compare historical materialism
2
: a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things
… materialism, hedonism, and the overriding quest for personal gratification.—
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Examples of materialism in a Sentence
the materialism of modern society
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The record captures mounting angst, pushes back against control and calls out the capitalistic sides of our culture that fuel materialism and overconsumption.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
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Yet, despite this thorough materialism, the survival of Lucretius’ poem depends entirely on two manuscripts copied out in the Carolingian period, and one of them was certainly at the royal court, where it was studied and annotated by the Irish scholar Dungal.
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Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
Jeff Manchester might have been a folk hero of the early 2000s, but his story resonates even more today, with wealth inequality and performative materialism higher than ever.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2025
Yet, despite this thorough materialism, the survival of Lucretius’ poem depends entirely on two manuscripts copied out in the Carolingian period, and one of them was certainly at the royal court, where it was studied and annotated by the Irish scholar Dungal.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
Novel spiritual beliefs are pushing you to release the need for materialism.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for materialism
Cite this Entry
“Materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
materialism
noun
ma·te·ri·al·ism
mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
: a theory that everything can be explained as being or coming from matter
2
: a tendency to attach too much importance to physical comfort and well-being
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