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 The stakes are as jacked as Reacher’s biceps in the fourth installment of the series, which finds the heroic drifter at the center of a sprawling conspiracy involving terrorism, government agencies, and powerful political figures. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026 His audacious and brutal hostage-taking at OPEC headquarters ushered in a new form of terrorism. — Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026 In letters sent to the IRS, Republican lawmakers accused several organizations that support pro-Palestine efforts of funding terrorism and asked for them to be investigated. — Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2026 Previously, a judge dismissed New York terrorism charges against Mangione due to a lack of evidence but let the rest of the counts proceed. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorism

Noun

Unfettered occupation and ethnic cleansing will provoke resistance and terror attacks.

— Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2026
If the 25-year war on terror really is over, its repercussions are not.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

By retracing Berezovska’s footsteps, finding witnesses and hearing from one of the men accused of killing her, CNN has uncovered a tale of violence, strange twists and unanswered questions.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Lúcia added the Maria da Penha law needed updating because violence against women in Brazil is also a matter of power and as many femicides take place out of women’s homes in situations that are reported to police but ignored.

— Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

Once apprehended, the suspect will face charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation, Smith previously told reporters.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidation

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

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Synonyms of terrorism

noun

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