politically correct

adjective

: conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated
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 In a landscape where technology often caters to the politically correct and the powerful, CiviClick's commitment to free speech and inclusivity stands out. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Sure, old-schoolers might say such choices are made to check politically correct boxes or lessen the likelihood of a widespread cancellation. Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2024 Related: Liver disease researchers are hoping AI can improve their trial design Some physicians continue to critique the new terms as unnecessary, or an attempt to be politically correct. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 28 Dec. 2023 Its leaders argued that proposal was divisive, lacked detail, could give advice on everything from taxes to defense policy, and was a politically correct vanity project from Mr. Albanese, the prime minister, that distracted people from issues like the high cost of living. Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2023 But social media trolls have viciously critiqued and labeled these depictions as part of a politically correct feminist agenda. Cara Ocobock, Scientific American, 19 Oct. 2023 The laughs are sometimes complicated, not all of them politically correct, and many are community-centric. Riza Cruz, ELLE, 20 June 2023 And rather than become a nostalgic curio, a vestige of a less politically correct past, Suga Free is enjoying an unlikely but deserved renaissance. Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2023 There seems to be a current conflict between being politically correct and being funny. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'politically correct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of politically correct was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near politically correct

Cite this Entry

“Politically correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politically%20correct. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

politically correct

adjective
: following the belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated
political correctness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on politically correct

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