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
When Charles was set to come face to face with one of the brightest, youngest faces of American politics, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, he was met with only a coldness and reminder of the crimes of British imperialism.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The way to crush imperialism has been shown to the world.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
And Kipling, of course, was the great poet of British imperialism, but 1897 was the year of Queen Victoria’s 60th anniversary on the throne.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Though local histories differ, fossil capitalism and the imperialism that sustains it have produced a regional trauma carried across borders in memory, bodies and ecosystems.
—Mehrnoush Soroush, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The way to crush imperialism has been shown to the world.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
And Kipling, of course, was the great poet of British imperialism, but 1897 was the year of Queen Victoria’s 60th anniversary on the throne.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Though local histories differ, fossil capitalism and the imperialism that sustains it have produced a regional trauma carried across borders in memory, bodies and ecosystems.
—Mehrnoush Soroush, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
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But many still derived entertainment from the frequent outbreak of hostilities between the teams, the FIA, and the commercial rights holder (then Bernie Ecclestone; now Liberty Media).—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2026
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Their hostility tended to be reserved for Steven Gerrard.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Children are also on screens now more than ever, which is believed to contribute to more anxiety, depression, aggression and hyperactivity.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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But a full strength Edwards frequently finds ways to make opponents pay for such aggression by firing up the boosters to turn a corner and get downhill with aggression.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Noun
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His work often serves as commentary on polarizing issues, including migration, militarism, politics and capitalism.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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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
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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Bears display aggressiveness towards visitors Aggressive bears have been a concern in the park since April, with the animals chasing people and even biting them.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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The two have been engaging in a subtle war of online words with fans noting passive aggressiveness to the max.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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