totalism

noun

ˈtō-tᵊl-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce totalism (audio)
Definition of totalismnext
as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power warned that forfeiture of civil liberties for the sake of security would only result in the terror of totalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 totalism Common sense and a mania for systematization, logical thinking and ideological totalism, are constantly at war in the French character, as a belief in instant happiness and a paranoia about imaginary enemies are in the American. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totalism
  1. tyranny
  2. fascism
  3. dictatorship
  4. totalitarianism
  5. absolutism
  6. authoritarianism
Noun
  • In the film, out September 11, Garfield plays Ploughman, the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026
  • Ḥusayn’s death became for the Shiʿah a symbol of selfless resistance against worldly injustice and tyranny and is commemorated with lamentation each year on Ashura.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026
Definition of tyranny
Noun
  • Brogin, who said at the time that the law was akin to fascism, fought the city, unsuccessfully.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Ben-Ghiat’s comparative work on fascism does not function as a morality play either.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of fascism
Noun
  • The 1978 World Cup edition was played in and won by an Argentina ruled by a military dictatorship that forcibly disappeared thousands of people.
    — Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • They were invaded in 1982 under orders from Argentina’s then-military dictatorship, triggering a 10-week war won by Britain.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of dictatorship
Noun
  • Visual artist and historian Ranfis Suárez Ramos highlighted the importance of internet access for Cubans as a way to break the hold of totalitarianism.
    — Sarah Moreno June 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
  • His parents’ experience living under totalitarianism shaped his outlook on the world.
    — Iris Kwok May 12, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of totalitarianism
Noun
  • In fact, that kind of absolutism is a good way to become part of another kind of silencing, another kind of injustice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • The result is the extreme polarization and absolutism.
    — Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Definition of absolutism
Noun
  • That doesn't sound like a man who embraces authoritarianism to me.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Look the steady coarsening of American civic and political culture and the ways in which the once-outrageous—the bilious, hateful rhetoric and the creeping authoritarianism—have become almost ordinary.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of authoritarianism

Browse Nearby Words

totaling
totalism
totalitarian
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Cite this Entry

“Totalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totalism. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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