nativism
noun
na·tiv·ism
ˈnā-ti-ˌvi-zəm 
1
: a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants
2
: the revival or perpetuation of an indigenous culture especially in opposition to acculturation
Examples of nativism in a Sentence
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To embrace nativism in a global, connected economic world is to sacrifice prosperity for the sake of exclusion, just as the main effect of racial segregation in the American South was to leave the region impoverished and underdeveloped.
—
Jamelle Bouie, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
The next while needs to focus on deep reform and not nationalism and nativism.
—Mbongiseni Buthelezi, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Frustration with high levels of immigration, coupled with discontent over Britain’s sluggish economic growth, has provided fertile ground for nativism.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
The immigrant story isn't hurting Superman; American nativism is.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nativism
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Jamelle Bouie, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
The next while needs to focus on deep reform and not nationalism and nativism.
—Mbongiseni Buthelezi, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Frustration with high levels of immigration, coupled with discontent over Britain’s sluggish economic growth, has provided fertile ground for nativism.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
The immigrant story isn't hurting Superman; American nativism is.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nativism
Cite this Entry
“Nativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nativism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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