triumphalism

noun

tri·​um·​phal·​ism trī-ˈəm(p)-fə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce triumphalism (audio)
: an attitude or feeling of victory or superiority: such as
a
: the attitude that one religious creed is superior to all others
b
: smug or boastful pride in the success or dominance of one's nation or ideology over others
triumphalist noun or adjective

Examples of triumphalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Yet such triumphalism cannot mask the deep fault lines underneath, which—unless recognized and addressed—will only widen in the years to come. Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Composer Hans Zimmer’s drone-laden score never strikes a tone of triumphalism; so much of this movie’s tricky poise is his. Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 The provocative marches through Muslim neighborhoods have prompted Modi’s critics to caution against growing Hindu triumphalism under his watch. Anant Gupta, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024 This period of progressive triumphalism was short-lived, however. Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 9 Nov. 2023 At the same time, victory can lead to prideful triumphalism that in its own way can distort what lies ahead. Ronald Suny, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2023 Democrats celebrated the passage of some massive bills during last year’s legislative session, but their triumphalism at the time couldn’t change the fact that the measures related to infrastructure or prescription drug prices will take time to go into effect. Grace Segers, The New Republic, 7 Feb. 2023 Her account of becoming free—filling her days with art and work, thinking through solitude, battling loneliness—refuses triumphalism. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 18 June 2023 Moscow has made the most of its capture, epitomized by triumphalism in Russian media. Mstyslav Chernov and Jamey Keaten, BostonGlobe.com, 4 June 2023

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

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triumphalism was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near triumphalism

Cite this Entry

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

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