IMPERIALISM Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

imperialism

noun

Definition of imperialism

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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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 imperialism Groen maintained his lead to the end, acing clues about Russian imperialism, the geography of the Pacific Northwest, and the music of Frank Ocean. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 The very American imperialism that so endangered Muslim life had its roots in genocide and enslavement, the latter of which always took particular interest in black women. — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 Instead, the ideologues of Russian imperialism have turned to random musings and belligerent hate speech, which seems intended to confuse rather than convince. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperialism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism

Noun

On the obverse of this hostility is a genuine love of life, at least in some of its forms.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Given the extent of the disruption to oil exports from the Middle East since the start of hostilities between Washington and Tehran, most of the hikes announced by OPEC+ since March have had a negligible impact on the physical crude market.

— Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Even absent Chinese aggression, people in Taiwan increasingly identify as Taiwanese and do not seem inclined to repeat Hong Kong’s experience of acquiescing to Chinese rule.

— Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
On the night of the last game at the old stadium, a 3-2 victory against Manchester United on May 10, 2016, nobody — not the police, the local community, not the club — expected the outpouring of emotion and aggression.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Memories of Imperial Japan’s human rights abuses were still fresh in people’s minds – fueling fears that any such law or intelligence reform could backslide once again to surveillance, militarism and repression.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
From the other side of the ideological spectrum, anti-Nazis interpreted the tolerant and pacifist spirit of the film as a rebuke to Nazi eugenics and militarism.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026

Definition of militarism

Noun

But aside from that scene, and some odd red, white and blue sparkler-like fireworks visible in the New York Harbor, which curiously distract from a view of the Statue of Liberty, Soarin’ Across America doesn’t lay on the jingoism.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
This was an era of over-the-top displays of patriotism and even jingoism; the phrase Let’s make America great again was in.

— Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

Definition of jingoism

Noun

She’s learned how to channel her competitiveness and aggressiveness in a much better way, a more productive way.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
If Yesavage can maintain that aggressiveness over the rest of the season, the Jays won’t have to worry about their funky righty.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

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imperial

imperialism

imperials

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“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of imperialism

noun

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