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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Never mind the millions enslaved and murdered by 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
Soviet satire and humor journals, for example, ridiculed Western imperialism.
—Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
Guilt for European imperialism in the 19th and 20th centuries should not become the permission structure for new forms of imperialism.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Soviet satire and humor journals, for example, ridiculed Western imperialism.
—Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
Guilt for European imperialism in the 19th and 20th centuries should not become the permission structure for new forms of imperialism.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
-
Their defensive style can look like arrogance or hostility.—
Paul Sanchez Ruiz,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Out of such poverty comes hatred, resentment and a desire for revenge, and this cycle of hostility can continue for years.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Another day, as Mom loads the children into the car, Jeremy tosses a basketball against the house, again and again, his passive aggression registering through the ball’s unyielding thuds and his own frozen gaze.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Sources have told The Star that KU’s coaching staff believed in his potential but wanted to see more physicality and aggression from him.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The larger systems of fossil capitalism and militarism depend on one another.—
Mehrnoush Soroush,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tapping into national pride — dare say jingoism — might have done the trick.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
However, her production dipped late in the year, particularly in SEC play, as her aggressiveness attacking the rim declined.—
Aaron Segal,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
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 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
