socialist

noun

so·​cial·​ist ˈsō-sh(ə-)list 

1

: one who advocates or practices socialism

2

Socialist : a member of a party or political group advocating socialism

socialist adjective

often Socialist

socialistic

ˌsō-shə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

socialistically

ˌsō-shə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of socialist

• communist

Examples of socialist in a Sentence

a lifelong socialist who never lost faith in his cause

Recent Examples on the Web

Among registered Democrats, the survey found 60% said they would be inclined to support a candidate identified as progressive; 58% felt the same when asked about a democratic socialist and 48% about a mainstream party member. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Supporters of Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, celebrate her victory at an election-night watch party on June 30, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Incumbent Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz beat democratic socialist Oliver Larkin, indicating that coastal Florida Democrats are not comfortable leaning left of center. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Not all members of the more left side of the party are democratic socialists or DSA members. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing socialist

• anti-socialist
• socialist realism