EXTREMISM Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

extremism

noun

Definition of extremism

as in excessiveness

belief in and support for ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable political extremism

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of extremism For much of the first two decades of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s time in office, the reigning model of state security was fighting terrorism and extremism. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 Osder came to learn about Jewish extremism for the first time through this film. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to hide his own extremism and Texans will see right through it. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Throughout these years, the seeds of extremism that would forcefully erupt on January 6, 2021, were germinating. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extremism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extremism

Noun

This excessiveness can hinder critical knowledge building because of the sheer amount of information that can be accessed simultaneously at any time.

— Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

Definition of excessiveness

Noun

Store the excess in the refrigerator to keep the green onions fresh for longer.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Sep. 2026
But there is no question there’s going to be accountability for the corruption, for the excess, for the abuse of power that has existed coming out of this White House.

— NBC news, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of excess

Noun

Or Pablo Picasso, goaded into radicalism by the latest bizarre creations of Matisse, retreating to the Spanish mountain village of Gósol and, mere months later, beginning work on his proto-cubist masterpiece, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
But Fosdick’s real radicalism lay in his insistence that Scripture was not static or inerrant but needed to be read in the context of an evolving culture and country.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of radicalism

Noun

In other words, emotion, empathy and irrationality could be seen as some of the most powerful counterweights to AI.

— Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
This is where the irrationality of antisemitic conspiracy gains no purchase among a reasoning and pragmatic populace; where government is led by people who grasp, and embrace, the seriousness of their responsibilities.

— Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of irrationality

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extremes

extremism

extremist

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“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extremism. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of extremism

noun

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