protectionist

noun

pro·​tec·​tion·​ist prə-ˈtek-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce protectionist (audio)
: an advocate of government economic protection for domestic producers through restrictions on foreign competitors
protectionism noun
protectionist adjective

Examples of protectionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump has dramatically expanded U.S. tariffs since returning to office, marking one of the most sweeping protectionist shifts in decades. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025 And talk about blowing a hole in protectionists’ argument that tariffs are free money for the government that can be used for other purposes. The Wall Street Journal, Twin Cities, 5 Oct. 2025 Trump had already shaken the free market capitalists with his protectionist and retaliatory tariff policies, but they were pleased by Trump’s extension and expansion of tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025 Some lawyers argue convincingly that the rules are outdated and protectionist. Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protectionist

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protectionist was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Protectionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectionist. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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