TERRORISM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

terrorism

noun

Definition of terrorism

as in terror

the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal They have been arrested for acts of terrorism. international terrorism the fight against terrorism

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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 terrorism British counterterrorism police took over the investigation into Widdecombe’s killing on July 13, after officers initially stated there was no information to suggest her death was an act of terrorism. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 The Legislature also passed HB 1471, which gives the state broad new powers to accuse groups of domestic terrorism. — Eric "doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 While in custody, new evidence caused Kerry to be rearrested under suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of an act of terrorism, reports ABC News. — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026 Until then, most people were not aware of the federal requirement that makes paying a cyber ransom without notifying the Department of Commerce a felony because of the potential risk of funding terrorism. — Scott Sumner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorism

Noun

Mayra Velasquez was charged with capital murder by terror threat on Friday, July 17, according to prison records seen by PEOPLE.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
In line with the episode’s gothic theme, the women’s smiles, while somewhat genuine, carry a hint of terror.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

That militant arm of the Democratic Party kept Black voters from going to the polls, sometimes by violence, The Observer reported.

— Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Still, only Norfolk, Austin, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis reported more homicides this year than during the same period in 2019, underscoring the broader decline in lethal violence nationwide.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

The pattern includes shootings and attacks on farmers, as well as arson, property destruction, road obstruction, and the intimidation or expulsion of entire communities.

— Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Judges around the country have seen a rise in threats of violence and intimidation, including a fake swatting call to police about Barrett’s home in May.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026

Definition of intimidation

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“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorism. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorism

noun

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