traditionalism

noun

tra·​di·​tion·​al·​ism trə-ˈdish-nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce traditionalism (audio)
-ˈdi-shə-nᵊl-ˌi-
1
: adherence to the doctrines or practices of a tradition
2
: the beliefs of those opposed to modernism, liberalism, or radicalism
traditionalist
trə-ˈdish-nə-list How to pronounce traditionalism (audio)
-ˈdi-shə-nᵊl-ist
noun or adjective
traditionalistic
trə-ˌdish-nə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce traditionalism (audio)
-ˌdi-shə-nᵊl-ˈi-stik
adjective

Examples of traditionalism in a Sentence

a staunch supporter of grammatical traditionalism, my English teacher didn't care what the experts in linguistics said
Recent Examples on the Web Editors’ Picks Phoebe Philo Breaks Her Silence Image Image The traditionalism of the shop’s techniques is embodied by several century-old buttonhole-cutting machines still in use. Alex Traub, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 The traditionalism of Viennese art may have held him back, but so did his own hunger to please. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Dior’s womenswear creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, is an expert at combining mid-century traditionalism with feminist modernity. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2024 Would a truly traditional woman devote so much time and energy to making traditionalism itself trendy? Abigail Anthony, National Review, 11 Feb. 2024 One of those newer homes, a ten-year-old mansion grounded in traditionalism but shot through with the comforts and luxuries of modern living, is newly listed for $27.5 million. Mark David, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2024 Charley Crockett is known as one of the modern kings of country traditionalism, following in the footsteps of his heroes, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, the latter of whom is a pal and collaborator. Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Jan. 2024 In the past decade, Putin has personally supplanted the church as the chief paragon of orthodox moral values, making his traditionalism a pivotal part of his domestic and foreign political agendas. Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2023 Kitchen design often skews one-note—a chilly colorless laboratory or an onslaught of cozy traditionalism. Sophie Donelson, WSJ, 30 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'traditionalism.' 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

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditionalism was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near traditionalism

Cite this Entry

“Traditionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditionalism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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