Definition of materialism
1a : 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 1matter 2) scientific materialismb : a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progressc : 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 — A. M. Schlesinger, Jr.
From the M-W Editors
Examples of materialism in a Sentence
the materialism of modern society
Recent Examples of materialism from the Web
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This, in turn, breeds an almost fanatical materialism.
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In West Germany, capitalism ruled and US-style consumerism flourished only a few years after the end of World War II, but materialism was frowned upon in the Communist East and consumer goods were scarce.
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In West Germany, capitalism ruled and U.S.-style consumerism flourished only a few years after the end of World War II, but materialism was frowned upon in the Communist East and consumer goods were scarce.
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In Mexico, the pope lip-synched his decades-old, anti-materialism, anti-capitalism medley even as his trip was underwritten by corporate sponsors, including Frito-Lay, Mercedes-Benz, Sheraton Hotels, and the Mexican bread company Bimbo.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'materialism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of materialism
1696
Other Philosophy Terms
MATERIALISM Defined for English Language Learners
materialism
playDefinition of materialism for English Language Learners
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: a way of thinking that gives too much importance to material possessions rather than to spiritual or intellectual things
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philosophy : the belief that only material things exist
Learn More about materialism
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See words that rhyme with materialism Spanish Central: Translation of materialism Nglish: Translation of materialism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of materialism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about materialism
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