nominalism
noun
nom·i·nal·ism
ˈnä-mə-nə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈnäm-nə-ˌli-zəm
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
Examples of nominalism in a Sentence
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In philosophy, this tension between intrinsic and imposed categories takes the form of a debate between nominalism and realism.
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Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023
Occam instead proposed what became known as nominalism.
—Andrew Crumey, WSJ, 8 Oct. 2021
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Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023
Occam instead proposed what became known as nominalism.
—Andrew Crumey, WSJ, 8 Oct. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Nominalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nominalism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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