nationalism

noun

na·tion·al·ism | \ ˈnash-nə-ˌli-zəm ,

ˈna-shə-nə-ˌli-zəm \

Definition of nationalism

1 : loyalty and devotion to a nation especially : a sense of national consciousness (see consciousness sense 1c) exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups Intense nationalism was one of the causes of the war.

2 : a nationalist movement or government opposing nationalisms

Synonyms The difference between nationalism, patriotism, sectionalism, and jingoism More Example Sentences Learn More about nationalism

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The difference between nationalism, patriotism, sectionalism, and jingoism

Nationalism has a number of near-synonyms, each of which carries its own distinct meaning. Patriotism is similar insofar as it emphasizes strong feelings for one’s country, but it does not necessarily imply an attitude of superiority. Sectionalism resembles nationalism in its suggestion of a geopolitical group pursuing its self-interest, but the group in question is usually smaller than an entire nation. Jingoism closely resembles nationalism in suggesting feelings of cultural superiority, but unlike nationalism, it always implies military aggressiveness.

Examples of nationalism in a Sentence

The war was caused by nationalism and greed. Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ameri and his election coalition, called Fatah, or Conquest, could present the main challenge to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who has eschewed the traditional rhetoric of sectarianism and Shiite supremacy for a more inclusive Iraqi nationalism. — Washington Post, "Iraqi election seen as a contest between Iran’s challenger and America’s incumbent," 11 May 2018 Although Benda’s critique of intellectuals’ irresponsibility is powerful, his trickle-down account of ethno-nationalism is naive and oddly optimistic. — William A. Galston, WSJ, "Macron’s Democratic Vision," 24 Apr. 2018 One of the biggest weapons Beijing wields is popular nationalism, which often works in cahoots with government coercion. — Charlie Campbell / Beijing, Time, "It’s Not Just China's Retaliatory Tariffs That Should Worry U.S. Businesses," 2 Apr. 2018 So the welfare state was also entwined with rising nationalism. — The Economist, "The welfare state needs updating," 12 July 2018 In one of his boldest remarks, Macron defined rising nationalism as a top challenge bearing down on France and its European Union partners. — Washington Post, "Macron warns of nationalism in palace speech to lawmakers," 9 July 2018 In one of his boldest remarks, Macron defined rising nationalism as a top challenge bearing down on France and its European Union partners. — Elaine Ganley, The Seattle Times, "Macron warns of nationalism in palace speech to lawmakers," 9 July 2018 President Recep Tayyip Erdogan celebrated his twin victory in presidential and parliamentary elections as his main competitor conceded defeat, heralding a more assertive Turkey rooted in nationalism as much as in conservative Islam. — David Gauthier-villars, WSJ, "After Victory, Erdogan Promises to Strengthen Turkey," 25 June 2018 Many of the brokers try to shield themselves from any criticism in China by wrapping themselves in nationalism. — Keith Bradsher, New York Times, "Tariff Dodgers Stand to Profit Off U.S.-China Trade Dispute," 22 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nationalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for nationalism

nationalism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of nationalism

: a feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country often with the belief that it is better and more important than other countries

: a desire by a large group of people (such as people who share the same culture, history, language, etc.) to form a separate and independent nation of their own

See the full definition for nationalism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

nationalism

noun

na·tion·al·ism | \ ˈna-shə-nə-ˌli-zəm