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

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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 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 Surely the tournament would be invisible in a country that had loudly discounted soccer as a sport incompatible with rugged individualism and apple pie, wouldn’t it? — Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 12 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
  • Kluivert notched a hat-trick in the 10-1 thrashing of Italy’s Genoa, with Scott, Unal (two goals each) and David Brooks scoring too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trick is to hold the can 8 to 10 inches away, and spray in short bursts.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Hence the switch, a year or so after the film’s release, to a stadium now named after the latest in a long line of sponsors that, for all the vital money brought in, have slightly eroded identity.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Meloni is hardly the only world leader to project political identity through wardrobe choices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of identity
Noun
  • But this was his first opportunity to play against a live pass rush, which tested one of the traits that drew Los Angeles to Simpson.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In theory, Daniels could sue LSU for misappropriation of his right of publicity, which forbids the unauthorized commercial use of a college athlete’s name, image, likeness, signature, voice, nickname and other identifying traits.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of trait
Noun
  • Male actors seem to be given more leeway than female stars to display bigger personalities without the public turning on them.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The approaches may differ, the personalities may differ and the environments definitely differ.
    — Elise Devlin, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • The devices capture images of vehicle tags and characteristics, feeding searchable data to police departments.
    — Larry Seward, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Flock cameras photographed passing vehicles and used software to record information including license plate numbers, vehicle characteristics, dates, times and locations in searchable databases.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • The city’s street style continues to champion weird-but-it-works combinations over predictable formulas, and individuality above all else.
    — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This, too, was a kind of misapprehension, in that his boss admired him for being so upbeat despite living in such a family when in fact Shigejiro had no individuality at all.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of individuality
Noun
  • 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
  • This portrait of wannabe bohemians and intellectuals who adopt the fashions, mannerisms, and artistic practices of an earlier time has its own essential timelessness.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of mannerism
Noun
  • How much funnier Shakespeare’s motley crew can be when we’re allowed to discover the variety of eccentricity and ludicrousness on display for ourselves.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Your unique eccentricity is your greatest asset — don’t hide it!
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 July 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on individualism

Nglish: Translation of individualism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about individualism

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