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.
These microscopic pods are expert survivalists that can withstand drying out, freezing, and even time. Laura Baisas Aug 20, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025 Whipple Cabin Back in Alone’s fourth season, producers had survivalists compete in teams of two. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 18 Aug. 2025 Once the domain of conspiracy theorists and off-grid survivalists, bunkers have gone glam. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 July 2025 While scripts were still being written, the Dirty John star requested that his survivalist protagonist rely on horseback as his main form of travel. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 19 July 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 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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