tribalism

noun

trib·​al·​ism ˈtrī-bə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: tribal consciousness and loyalty

especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups

2

: strong in-group loyalty often combined with a negative view of outsiders

When people talk of tribalism or "us versus them," they often think in binary terms—there are two groups, two tribes.

—Miriam Juan-Torres, quoted in The Atlantic

Examples of tribalism in a Sentence

Tribalism within the group is strong.

the corrupting influence of tribalism

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the ubiquity of stories and humanity’s vulnerability to them, citizens today would be wise to practice the skills of literary analysis, the very techniques routinely derided and devalued in a world committed to technology and tribalism. —Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025

The descent into tribalism is far from a novel fixture in American politics, Inserra said. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025

But the boy witnessed the whole thing, this uncomfortable mix of family, violence, tribalism, and an atmosphere can change and become charged on a dime. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025

His orations of statistics, stories, and argumentative persuasion at colleges were energetic, frictious, and necessary to unshackle us from grievance and tribalism. —Alex Rosado, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1