individualism

noun

ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce individualism (audio)
Definition of individualismnext
1
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit the novelist gives each character an assortment of individualisms that sets them apart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people his individualism and epic vision set him well apart from other architects of his generation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 individualism American collectivism may be, as Mamdani promised, warmer than rugged individualism. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 The explosion of bachelorette parties in the three decades since mirrors what happened with weddings in general, influenced by the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, along with the rise of individualism, Montemurro says. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 5 July 2026 Community rather than gonzo individualism will likely be the key to survival. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 In a world hellbent on celebrating individualism – selfies and influencers and likes and followers – New York won as a collective. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for individualism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for individualism
  1. trick
  2. identity
  3. trait
  4. personality
  5. characteristic
  6. individuality
  7. mannerism
  8. eccentricity
Noun
  • Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s route to the final, opening his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria and scoring in each of his team’s matches up to and including the round of 16.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The key manufacturing trick was direct ink writing, a form of 3D printing.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Șerban draws on her own experience to explore identity and belonging from a Roma woman’s perspective.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The identities of the four people on board have not been released, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of identity
Noun
  • This moment highlighted his enduring intensity, a trait the Blue Jays value, especially as younger players navigate the pressures of a playoff race.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • These are potentially key traits for Emery this season, given the number of departures this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa.
    — Aston Villa, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of trait
Noun
  • Of course, Sophie-Rose and her friend Garrett (social-media personality Jake Shane) have no reason to care about Billie at all.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The media personality recently shared an Instagram Reel promoting her podcast interview with author Virginia Evans (The Correspondent) while wearing a striped button-up blouse.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • According to the team, each of those characteristics plays out similarly in real fish of various sizes across different ecological niches.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And most simulants of lunar material are faithful in their geological characteristics, to simulate the lunar surface and its dust, rather than the precise chemistry within.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Their purpose is not to flatten emotion or eliminate individuality, but to reduce symptoms that interfere with functioning and quality of life.
    — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The weeklong event shines a spotlight on the strength, kindness and individuality of Disney princesses.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of individuality
Noun
  • On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Says strange things and has funny little mannerisms, but within lies a devastatingly sharp mind which can produce something special that people will be talking about for years.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of mannerism
Noun
  • Recently, though, a wave of UK properties have started to embrace the kinds of cultural eccentricities that Greco saw as lacking in those hotels.
    — Dipal Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Some Venus signs prefer seduction through mystery and minimalism, while others enjoy eccentricity or perhaps even maximalism.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of eccentricity

Browse Nearby Words

individual
individualism
individualisms
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Cite this Entry

“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/individualism. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on individualism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about individualism

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