politically correct

adjective

Definition of politically correct

: conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated

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Other Words from politically correct

political correctness noun

Examples of politically correct in a Sentence

He later realized that his response was not politically correct.
Recent Examples on the Web Since the first draft of the model curriculum was published in 2019, it has been assailed as being anti-capitalist, biased in favor of or against certain groups, and full of politically correct and obscure jargon. Nina Agrawal, Los Angeles Times, "California is still debating ethnic studies in public education. Can the state finally get it right?," 23 Nov. 2020 Kenan Thompson is Uncle Ben, being shamed by a fleet of politically correct ad executives: Alec Baldwin, Heidi Gardner, and Mikey Day. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, "Saturday Night Live recap: Dave Chappelle hosts post-election episode," 8 Nov. 2020 In it, Bezucha shrewdly assessed his Amherst background through the casual prejudices of a select, politically correct lineage. Armond White, National Review, "Let Him Go: A Morally Superior Neo-Western," 6 Nov. 2020 Berhalter, hired after a yearlong search, was viewed as a politically correct choice who would protect MLS’ interests for the federation. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: U.S. men’s national soccer team gets European infusion — finally," 3 Nov. 2020 In one spell, the witches make a sexist bully suddenly very politically correct and vulnerable, apologizing for his power to shame. Mark Kennedy, Star Tribune, "Review: With high sorcery, 'The Craft: Legacy' casts a spell," 27 Oct. 2020 Maybe that was the politically correct response needed from a team leader who will be in the locker room and in the trenches with the unit. Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, "Derek Carr touts Raiders' offensive line after quarantine disrupts practice work," 26 Oct. 2020 Murphy has altered mainstream media’s mindscape about gay sensibility; what used to be known as camp is now suspiciously politically correct. Armond White, National Review, "A Segregated, Modernized Boys in the Band," 2 Oct. 2020 In the classical world, hesitant and complacent politically correct attitudes were not considered a sign of a good education but of a very deficient one. Itxu Díaz, National Review, "Why Does the Left Hate the Humanities?," 19 Sep. 2020

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

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First Known Use of politically correct

1934, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of politically correct was in 1934

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Last Updated

9 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Politically correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politically%20correct. Accessed 15 Dec. 2020.

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More Definitions for politically correct

politically correct

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of politically correct

sometimes disapproving : agreeing with the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people

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