as in hostility
tendency to extend power or control over others especially through the use of force
Violent conquer of other nations is one extreme form of imperialism.
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Recent Examples of imperialism
There probably would’ve been greater outrage in response to imperialism, especially from people pushed out of power after Saddam Hussein’s removal.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Regardless, the Islamic Republic’s response has been to frame criticism as betrayal, suggesting that those who question support for Gaza or Lebanon are complicit with imperialism – a narrative enforced through a mix of rhetoric and coercion.
—Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
Jeet Heer on a new era of American imperialism.
—Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
But one Icelandic woman has called on Greenlanders, who are technically Danish citizens, to declare their independence in order to resist American imperialism as well as Danish government control.
—Kahina Sekkaï, Vanity Fair, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Regardless, the Islamic Republic’s response has been to frame criticism as betrayal, suggesting that those who question support for Gaza or Lebanon are complicit with imperialism – a narrative enforced through a mix of rhetoric and coercion.
—Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
Jeet Heer on a new era of American imperialism.
—Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
But one Icelandic woman has called on Greenlanders, who are technically Danish citizens, to declare their independence in order to resist American imperialism as well as Danish government control.
—Kahina Sekkaï, Vanity Fair, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
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Stuart said the measure reflects a sobering escalation in political hostility and violence.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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In his second term, their defining emotions are hostility and happiness.—
Christine Zhang,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Sabrina Carpenter’s song about guys being goofy and Bad Bunny’s single about wishing to be more present in fleeting moments might’ve been more pertinent to a rough last year animated by masculine aggression.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
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Traoré did flip the tone with his aggression, slicing to the rim for two straight baskets, but Denver’s shooting kept piling up.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Left means more skeptical of militarism, more secular.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
31 Dec. 2025
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If Japan seeks to go back to the path of militarism, violate its commitment to peaceful development and disrupt the postwar international order, the Chinese people will not allow it, and the international community will not allow it.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The positive feelings people have toward their community translate directly into civic engagement, without the risk of increasing negative feelings such as jingoism or xenophobia.—
Sean Richey,
The Conversation,
15 Jan. 2026
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Al-Akkad reserves his harshest criticism not for the obvious warmongers of American empire, explicit in their jingoism and nationalist fervor, but for the decorous liberal centrists, complacent in their institutional comfort, their birthright virtue too easily claimed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
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And the first half was a virtuoso blend of aggressiveness and controlling tempo from Payton, as Nix had a couple of deep shots to Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, but also controlled the game with his legs.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
18 Jan. 2026
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The 2026 version of the San Diego Mojo is built on a blend of toughness and aggressiveness that shines through with a relentless defense that extends rallies and attempts to frustrate the offense on the other side of the net.—
Tim Meehan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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