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
The legacy of Japanese imperialism has been profound and enduring.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
In most academic histories of European imperialism written in this century, the Europeans are the barbarians, killing and raping and looting on an unprecedented scale.
—David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
And last month, at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech openly celebrating Western imperialism.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Beginning with European imperialism in the late 18th century and technically concluding with Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, this series is a great survey for those looking to understand Iran in regional context.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
In most academic histories of European imperialism written in this century, the Europeans are the barbarians, killing and raping and looting on an unprecedented scale.
—David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
And last month, at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech openly celebrating Western imperialism.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Beginning with European imperialism in the late 18th century and technically concluding with Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, this series is a great survey for those looking to understand Iran in regional context.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
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More than half a century of Cold War hostilities were thawing.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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The goal of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel is to end hostilities and the occupation of southern Lebanon, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement today.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Minnesota is playing with aggression.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Throughout the regular season, Donte DiVincenzo was used to being the one who had to set the tone for Minnesota with his effort and aggression.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Moreover, in conflict and humanitarian situations, violence against LGBTQ+ people shares some key root causes driving violence against women and girls, such as restrictive gender norms and militarism.—
Jenna Norosky,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2026
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All-singing, all-dancing American optimism-cum-militarism isn’t really the play’s subject so much as its mode.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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Tapping into national pride — dare say jingoism — might have done the trick.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But coach Bill Self and his assistants wanted more aggressiveness and physicality from the freshman — and said so at multiple points during the season.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
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Colorado’s aggressiveness with trading away draft picks and prospects to help the NHL club’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup has often left the organization’s pipeline thin, but also provides opportunities for undrafted players like Logan O’Connor and Sam Malinski to earn chances and thrive.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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