Definition of nationalisticnext
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as in nationalist
having or showing excessive favoritism towards one's own country a nationalistic economic policy that raises up enormous barriers against the importation of goods from other countries

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 nationalistic Aside from religious and nationalistic appeals, the Basij has been kept in line through economic incentives. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026 The law makes the death penalty — by hanging — the default punishment for West Bank Palestinians convicted for nationalistic killings. Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 After the Russian government mandated all schools to implement nationalistic and anti-Ukraine lesson plans following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Talankin refused to go along. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 The relationship of Iranians to Iran is cultural, patriotic [and] nationalistic. Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationalistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nationalistic
Adjective
  • The patriotic ethos of Cold War–era public schools reinforced his sense of American ideals.
    Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
  • These patriotic pops require fresh lemon and lime juice to create every layer.
    Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Berlin — As one European nationalist party saw its grip on power end abruptly in Hungary over the weekend, another was riding a wave of popularity that is strengthening its hold on German politics.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images The ousting of Hungary's conservative nationalist leader Viktor Orbán is being hailed as a victory for liberal democracy and the European Union.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nationalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nationalistic. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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