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 This task force has been key to the bipartisan efforts to improve banking compliance with counter-terrorism and AML rules over the decades. — Richard Nephew, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Fifteen defendants have been sentenced in a domestic terrorism case tied to a July 4, 2025, protest at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in North Texas, where an Alvarado police lieutenant was shot and wounded. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 The result can be disruptions that affect public services even when the original objective was economic benefit rather than physical threats or terrorism. — Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Sentences range from nearly two to 50 years, including terrorism and material-support convictions, following earlier trial verdicts that imposed up to 100 years on a former Marine reservist. — Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorism

Noun

In its absence, this category is open for business, with Rhys, so good at shifting between his show’s droll humor and genuine terror, an obvious choice.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
On top of that, there was a terror attack plot at one of her concerts in Vienna in 2024, which was thwarted.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

News outlets uncovered years-old comments on Reddit that appeared to endorse political violence, dismiss rape in the military, criticize rural Americans and use anti-gay slurs.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Al-Geneina and al-Fashir saw the most intense violence in the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF that continued for more than three years.

— Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

The most detailed allegations came from a woman named Lyndsey Fifield, who reported controlling behaviors, frequent displays of rage, threats of violence and self-harm, emotional intimidation and physical abuse.

— Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
In recent months, police have banned public meetings, arrested and detained some critics of the reforms, while others have alleged harassment and intimidation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Definition of intimidation

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“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorism. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorism

noun

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