nationalism

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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 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

See nationalism defined for English-language learners

See nationalism defined for kids

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 of nationalism from the Web

But most of the chatter about economic nationalism wound up being just that.

— theodore kupfer, National Review, "Stock-Market Populism," 22 Aug. 2017
As the United States grapples with a seemingly growing movement of white supremacy and nationalism entering mainstream culture, a yearlong battle over a La Crescenta park’s Nazi past has come to a close.

— andy nguyen, Glendale News-Press, "After a year of controversy, a new sign tells the full history of Crescenta Valley Park," 18 Aug. 2017
At its broadest, academics define fascism as an authoritarian regime that puts an emphasis on nationalism.

— lily herman, Teen Vogue, "Fascism, Explained," 16 Aug. 2017
Aside from the relation with democracy, the other great ideal that any liberal order finds necessary, yet troubling, is the one about community: nationalism.

— philip zelikow, The Atlantic, "Is the World Slouching Toward a Grave Systemic Crisis?," 11 Aug. 2017
Between Donald Trump’s nationalism and Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian populism, many regard Angela Merkel as the last real democratic leader standing.

— kati marton, Vogue, "How Angela Merkel Became the Most Powerful Woman in the World," 18 July 2017
The upshot was a strengthened, more confident and less divergent euro zone, and a political model for curbing nationalism.

— The Economist, "If France’s reforms succeededWhat a Macron miracle could do for France and Europe," 13 July 2017
Poland’s Law and Justice Party represents perhaps the high-watermark for right-winged populist nationalism in Europe today following setbacks for similar groups in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France and Britain.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Trump looks east for new foreign policy," 5 July 2017
But the reason for uniting back then was far from the celebration of nationalism that the day represents now.

— olivia b. waxman, Time, "Why Canada Day Is Not the Same as Canadian Independence Day," 30 June 2017

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.

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.

First Known Use of nationalism

1798

nationalism Synonyms

Synonyms

jingoism, chauvinism, superpatriotism

Related Words

loyalty, patriotism; nativism, xenophobia

Near Antonyms

internationalism

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

NATIONALISM Defined for English Language Learners

nationalism

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noun

Definition of nationalism for English Language Learners

: 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