imperialism

noun

Definition of imperialismnext
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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Example Sentences

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 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 Though written for children, the books grappled not just with coming-of-age themes, but also with intense topics like war, imperialism, morality and horror. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 In a country like India, subjugated early in the history of capitalist imperialism, and then bullied after independence by the West, a degree of self-renunciation and collective sacrifice was widely understood to be requisite to economic and political self-strengthening. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
  1. hostility
  2. aggression
  3. militarism
  4. jingoism
  5. aggressiveness
Noun
  • Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America.
    — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 21 July 2026
  • The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 14 to halt hostilities, prompting gas to fall back below $4 a few days later.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • What if Penelope’s waiting is her own form of aggression, a way of holding a space, for as long as possible, that excludes the men and their own attempts at power?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
  • When scientists temporarily disabled mole-rats’ olfactory sensory neurons with chemicals, the aggression towards strangers disappeared.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • 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
  • Germany, Austria, and other countries turn to protectionism, xenophobia, militarism.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 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
  • The coach hopes that expanded duties for Webb, a 2017 third-round pick who made one career NFL start, translate into growth for the Broncos’ offense and improvement for Nix in key areas, including accuracy, touch and aggressiveness.
    — Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Cannon breaks down the accountability, aggressiveness and the perspective needed to play effective defense after the team’s reset week.
    — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of aggressiveness

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imperial
imperialism
imperials
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Cite this Entry

“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperialism

Nglish: Translation of imperialism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imperialism

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