patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌti-zəm 

chiefly British ˈpa-

: love for or devotion to one's country

Although poles apart ideologically, they are both unashamed of their patriotism.

—Christopher Hemphill

Synonyms of patriotism

• nationalism

Examples of patriotism in a Sentence

You may not agree with him politically, but no one can question his patriotism.

They supported the war with a fierce patriotism.

Recent Examples on the Web

But if current polls are to be believed, the administration seems to be underestimating the everyday decency and patriotism of the American public. —Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026

References to patriotism are pared down, though not completely removed, and students wouldn’t be taught how the Bible and Judeo-Christian ideals influenced America’s founders. —Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026

Every man in New England capable of the sentiment of patriotism must have lived the last three weeks with the sense of having suffered a vast, indefinite loss. —Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026

Will lawmakers remember their principles and patriotism? —S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patriotism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: love of one's own country