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 He was charged with receiving a firearm that would be used to commit a felony or an act of terrorism. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026 The 32-year-old Cuban's new home is in the Central African Republic, a country currently classified as an extreme-risk destination for Americans due to armed conflict, violent crime and the threat of terrorism. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 The indictment charges the five with conspiracy to finance terrorism and a murder-for-hire plot. — Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 Twenty-five years ago, our nation and this city experienced the deadliest act of terrorism in world history. — Hydrick Thomas, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorism

Noun

German prosecutors say Hamas plotted attacks in Berlin and Vienna targeting Jewish communities and Israeli diplomats – part of a network allegedly using Turkey as a base for terror operations against European targets.

— Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
In 2017, a dozen Muslim-majority countries severed ties with the emirate, accusing it of sponsoring terror and fomenting chaos around the world.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

Political violence has become a twisted form of virtue signaling.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Wells’ family has continued to press for transparency and answers throughout the investigation, amid speculation fueled against the backdrop of Mississippi’s fraught history of racial violence.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

Meanwhile, Democrats and independents were more concerned than Republicans about eligible voters being able to cast their ballots without facing obstacles or intimidation, the poll found.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
There is also a level of intimidation — The Athletic encountered a reluctance from individuals and organisations to speak on the record.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of intimidation

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

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Synonyms of terrorism

noun

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