survivalist

noun

sur·​viv·​al·​ist sər-ˈvī-və-list How to pronounce survivalist (audio)
: a person who advocates or practices survivalism
especially : one who has prepared to survive in the anarchy of an anticipated breakdown of society
survivalist adjective

Examples of survivalist 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.
McVeigh’s views only intensified as time went on and, in 1993, just months after the FBI’s infamous standoff with survivalist Randy Weaver over weapons charges, the government found themselves in another standoff, this time with religious cult leader David Koresh and his Branch Davidian followers. Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Smoke, by contrast, is pragmatic, strategic, a survivalist shaped by experience. Essence, 2 Apr. 2025 In Outlast, the survivalists wage psychological war on each other throughout the season by switching teams, stealing gear, and destroying shelters, all for a chance at cash. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 13 Feb. 2025 The page indicates that the festival is looking for individuals who can lead activities like whale shark diving, cliff jumping, luxury catamaran sails or survivalist challenges. Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for survivalist

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of survivalist was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Survivalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survivalist. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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