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

One fundamental issue is extreme tribalism’s destructive momentum toward distrust and disdain of others. —Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Its predictable and tiresome tribalism means that if Arsenal 2025-26 blossom from caterpillar into butterfly, there will still be some wanting to pin them down as formula football. —Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 May 2026

Jim Queen feeds into (and off of) the trite tribalism of so much creaky gay fiction, but ultimately wants to tear down that paradigm and establish a healthy kind of pluralism for all M4Ms. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026

Its commentary on political extremism, religious tribalism and the erosion of nuance is uniquely relevant, with episodes that spark conversation across ideological lines without resorting to provocation for provocation’s sake. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1