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 Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military has become more involved in general governance and embraced a hard-line approach to terrorism, but the security situation has only deteriorated. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026 Federal jurors convicted the five leaders on material support for terrorism, tax, and money laundering charges in 2008, with the elder Abu Baker receiving a 65-year sentence as the foundation’s co-founder. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Aug. 2026 The report also cited the interior ministry as saying that so far this year 82 people had been arrested for offenses related to jihadist terrorism. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Last month, Russia charged Durov with facilitating terrorism. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorism

Noun

The official did not provide further details on the alleged association with terror organizations.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
An experience that demands the big screen, featuring even more astounding effects choreography than its predecessor, Godzilla Minus Zero cranks up the terror while always keeping its post-WWII Japan narrative at human eye level.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

The violence is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa's Sahel region.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Magneto’s methods of fighting violence with violence may have sometimes been unscrupulous, but his ideology was always compelling, to X-Men members and viewers alike.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

In Season 1, Sugar was hard-edged and assertive; the kind of private investigator who leads with intimidation and meets aggression with equal aggression.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
In March 2026, Didulo’s and Manz’s charges for intimidation of a justice-system participant were shelved due to lack of evidence, though prosecutors have one year to refile.

— Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidation

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“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorism. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorism

noun

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