POPULIST Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

populist

noun

Definition of populist

as in socialist

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

snob
snoot

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 populist Orbán, a pro-EU capitalist turned right-wing populist, was ousted in April 2026 after 20 total years in power. — Brett R. Chloupek, The Conversation, 15 July 2026 Not to mention a conga line of billionaire tech, real-estate, and finance plutocrats paying feasance to a faux populist in exchange for contracts, pardons, and sundry favors. — Graydon Carter, Air Mail, 4 July 2026 Such are the perils of popularity, all the more ironic because Oliver never intended to be a populist. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 July 2026 Philadelphia's mayor at the time, Frank Rizzo, was a brash and brutal populist with a knack for fear-mongering that would make America's current president envious. — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for populist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for populist

socialist

Noun

These included their overall assessment of the democratic socialists, the relatively new mayor Mamdani, and Ocasio-Cortez, the four-term congresswoman who hasn't ruled out a 2028 run for president.

— Terry Collins, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Speakers blasted the opposing party as socialists and communists in speech after speech.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of socialist

Browse Nearby Words

populating

populist

populists

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Style

“Populist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populist. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of populist

noun

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