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 On Sunday, the military said there is no indication that this was an act of terrorism. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 18 Oct. 2026 An official at the Department of National Defence told CBC that there was no indication of terrorism. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 The issue is that since Russia illegally invaded Crimea in Feb 2014, the Donbas has been unstable due to pro-Russian unrest and terrorism. — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 In his annual threat update at MI5 headquarters in London, Sir Ken McCallum outlined the growing challenges facing the country, from hostile foreign governments and terrorism to the potential misuse of AI. — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorism

Noun

Phobos and Deimos take their names from the Greek mythological personifications of fear and terror, sons of the war god Ares, whose Roman counterpart is Mars.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Founded in 2015 by Thomas Brag, Matt Dajer, Ammar Kandil and Derin Emre, the group gained traction through their videos about travel, adventure and, in the wake of terror attacks in Beirut and Paris, inclusivity.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

Garcia and other commissioners complained Miami-Dade was cashing in on a game that glorifies street violence and crime in Miami.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
More than 2,500 people had been taken into police custody by Monday evening, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said, after violence that included the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges, a city in central France.

— Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

The couple was charged last week with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Cases can be delayed with different tactics, including intimidation, corruption and procedural mistakes that can reduce charges or even lead to acquittals, said Carole Grace Mbarga, a Cameroonian rights activist.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidation

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“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorism. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorism

noun

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