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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 National conservatives, for instance, oppose loosening the United States’ ties with Israel and tolerating Chinese and Russian imperialism. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 The result is a compelling indictment of Russia’s historical and present-day imperialism. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 The druids declined due to expanding Roman imperialism in the region during the first centuries of the Common Era. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 Despite being a latecomer to imperialism, through military annexation and invasion Japan took control of large swaths of Asia. — Pei-Hsu Lin, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
  1. hostility
  2. aggression
  3. militarism
  4. jingoism
  5. aggressiveness
Noun
  • Carriers have felt more comfortable bringing ultra-large container vessels through the area even with the hostilities in the Middle East lingering.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The surge in withdrawals comes as the ICC faces hostility from Washington and a leadership crisis after ousting its own chief prosecutor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • That was the most glaring example of the gulf between the two teams in terms of duels, aggression and general competitiveness.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The savage purge since June of high-momentum stocks – dominated by AI hardware and related industrials – has sapped the bullish aggression of traders, helping to reset tactical sentiment toward a more neutral level.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • Yet for Asian countries that endured Japanese imperial rule and expansion, Yasukuni remains a symbol of Japan’s militarism.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Yet the defense industry’s disbursement of billions of dollars to lobby Congress and influence policy debates helps drive the United States’ mindless militarism.
    — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of militarism
Noun
  • Starting with an onscreen Biblical quote, the screenplay often feels on the brink of conservative jingoism that never quite becomes explicit.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of jingoism
Noun
  • Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Is the nation’s vaunted politeness actually just passive-aggressiveness?
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness

Browse Nearby Words

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 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperialism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imperialism

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