Definition of nationalismnext
1
as in patriotism
excessive favoritism towards one's own country Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I

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2

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 nationalism The Flag and the Cross, a book by two sociologists about white Christian nationalism in America, was a book that Abughazaleh cited in an hour long explainer about white Christian nationalism and Project 2025. James Folta, Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025 These talking points, which have been embraced by Republicans and Democrats alike, call on nationalism to reboot an industry withered by decades of retrenchment. Colin Jones, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025 But alternative political movements—such as those based on nationalism, class, or populism—do not yet command widespread backing. Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 In practice, and particularly in its most modern form, Christian nationalism also comes with other cultural beliefs and values that typically center around Christian, straight, white, cisgender people in America, Whitehead said. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nationalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nationalism
patriotism
Noun
  • The true patriotism and courage of staffers who put themselves on the line because of their belief in our democracy is a story that has yet to be fully told.
    Sarah Ghermay, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
  • It was driven by patriotism, said Lora Vogt, the museum's vice president of education and interpretation.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nationalism. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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