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
Kim, who took power in 1946, reframed Christianity as a symptom of American imperialism and repurposed its rituals with himself at the center, instituting requirements for ideological activities and imposing harsh punishments on those who failed to show sufficient devotion.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
This week’s special legislative session reeks of imperialism.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
For Mussolini in Italy, new grand boulevards and imposing architecture signaled an ideological connection to Roman imperialism.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
Many Indians and students of colonialism see it as a symbol of the British Empire and the domination and plunder of imperialism.
—Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
This week’s special legislative session reeks of imperialism.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
For Mussolini in Italy, new grand boulevards and imposing architecture signaled an ideological connection to Roman imperialism.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
Many Indians and students of colonialism see it as a symbol of the British Empire and the domination and plunder of imperialism.
—Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
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The apparent loss of the aircraft came after hostilities in the region escalated over the weekend, with Iran and Israel exchanging their first direct strikes in months late Sunday.—
Todd Symons,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
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Pashinyan has implemented the complete transformation of Armenia’s position in the region and the world, going from a de facto protectorate of Russia to one bordering on hostility.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Following his Game 1 sluggishness, Wembanyama played with more aggression and decisiveness.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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The teen witness said Hunter Metcalf, the victim’s twin brother, told Anthony to leave in an escalating tone of aggression.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
6 June 2026
Noun
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Today, supposedly sophisticated moderns have laundered Moloch’s dark faith into militarism, imperialism, and capitalism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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That is using militarism and war as an excuse for people to make profit.—
June 1,
NPR,
1 June 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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Lurie partly values Roseman because of his strategic aggressiveness to make sure great players are locked down long term.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
-
Some more aggressiveness on the bases as well.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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