paternalism
noun
pa·ter·nal·ism
pə-ˈtər-nə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: a system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals as well as in their relations to authority and to each other
the empire's paternalism in regard to its colonies
2
: a policy or practice based on or characteristic of paternalism
Examples of paternalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is an urgent need for new models of what can be possible when sustained investments replace extraction and partnership replaces paternalism.
—
Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Our state chose a path defined by complexity and paternalism.
—Lou Rinaldi, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
Critics hear a different story: paternalism in the cart and theatrics at the counter.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Despite that, the Legislature is advancing two misguided bills rooted in state paternalism.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paternalism
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Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Our state chose a path defined by complexity and paternalism.
—Lou Rinaldi, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
Critics hear a different story: paternalism in the cart and theatrics at the counter.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Despite that, the Legislature is advancing two misguided bills rooted in state paternalism.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paternalism
Cite this Entry
“Paternalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternalism. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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