tribalism

trib·al·ism | \ ˈtrī-bə-ˌli-zəm

How to pronounce tribalism (audio)

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Definition of tribalism

1 : tribal consciousness and loyalty especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups

2 : strong in-group loyalty

Examples of tribalism in a Sentence

Tribalism within the group is strong. the corrupting influence of tribalism

Recent Examples on the Web For Americans, their flag can mean many things: national pride, unity, celebration – or, like so much else beset by today’s bitter political divisions, tribalism, hostility, and anger. — Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, "As US democracy stumbles, the world watches and wonders," 8 Jan. 2021 Abiy saw firsthand the carnage that can result when ethnic tribalism escalates into violence. — Jacob Kushner, Los Angeles Times, "In Ethiopia, a Nobel Peace laureate goes to war," 6 Dec. 2020 As the pandemic became a flash point for political tribalism, Suri says many people did just that. — Annie Vainshtein, SFChronicle.com, "The Bay Area is more skeptical of COVID-19 lockdowns this time. Why?," 15 Dec. 2020 In an era when so many institutions of American life have bowed to partisan tribalism, the dozens of opinions serve as a resounding reaffirmation of the judiciary’s nonpartisan commitment to basic principles of reason, fact and law. — Anchorage Daily News, "How dozens of judges across the political spectrum rejected Trump’s efforts to overturn the election," 13 Dec. 2020 So many of us are riven by tribalism that the only thing that matters now for tens of millions is dominating the other side. — John Kass, Star Tribune, "Elites to Trump's base: Heal, already," 15 Nov. 2020 Obama only foreshadows Trump’s unlikely ascent by registering his concerns about rising nativism and the tribalism his election seemed to unleash, an implacable opposition party and conservative media increasingly untethered to truth. — Dallas News, "Barack Obama’s memoir is a masterful lament over the fragility of hope," 18 Nov. 2020 Just maybe there were reasons, other than tribalism, for change? — Star Tribune, "Readers Write: 'Who will be left to protect the city?' Plus: 'Child soldiers,' Seventh Congressional District, citizenship test, the Biden transition," 21 Nov. 2020 Obama only foreshadows Trump’s unlikely ascent by registering his concerns about rising nativism and the tribalism his election seemed to unleash, an implacable opposition party and conservative media increasingly untethered to truth. — Dallas News, "Barack Obama’s memoir is a masterful lament over the fragility of hope," 18 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tribalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Tribalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribalism. Accessed 17 Jan. 2021.

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