nominalism

noun

nom·i·nal·ism | \ ˈnä-mə-nə-ˌli-zəm

, ˈnäm-nə-ˌli-zəm \

Definition of nominalism

1 : a theory that there are no universal essences in reality and that the mind can frame no single concept or image corresponding to any universal or general term

2 : the theory that only individuals and no abstract entities (such as essences, classes, or propositions) exist — compare essentialism, realism

Other Words from nominalism Example Sentences Learn More About nominalism

Other Words from nominalism

nominalist \ ˈnä-mə-nə-list

, ˈnäm-nə-list \ noun

nominalist or nominalistic \ ˌnä-mə-nə-ˈli-stik

, ˌnäm-nə-ˈli- \ adjective

Examples of nominalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Occam instead proposed what became known as nominalism. — Andrew Crumey, WSJ, 8 Oct. 2021

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