TOTALISM Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

totalism

noun

ˈtō-tᵊl-ˌi-zəm

Definition of totalism

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

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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 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

Noun

But, as Roy points out, finding love with Ellen actually gives Brian the strength to stand up to Lovat’s tyranny rather than bow to it.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Lawmakers from Fidesz and its coalition party, the Christian Democrats, did not take part in Monday’s vote, calling the charges against their lawmakers political tyranny by Magyar’s government.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of tyranny

Noun

Through the character of Señorita Rio, Renée was able to combat fascism and showcase fabulous fashion.

— Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Many immigrants who arrived in the United States from Europe, including some Italians who came during the two years between Mussolini’s March on Rome and the passage of the Immigration Act of 1924, left Italy because of the rise of fascism.

— Ed Simon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of fascism

Noun

Several of Flávio Bolsonaro’s proposals also warrant close scrutiny, including his pledge to rewrite Brazil’s 1988 Constitution, which marked the end of military dictatorship and the restoration of democracy in the country.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
In 1981, with the end of the civil-military dictatorship on the near horizon, Piero planned his return to Argentina, stopping in Uruguay first.

— Humphrey Inzillo, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of dictatorship

Noun

Most often, socialism morphs into totalitarianism, as its egalitarian ideals are no match for human nature.

— Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Interesting, too, how the project’s warnings about Russian totalitarianism, particularly stark in DAU.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of totalitarianism

Noun

Their agenda was backward-looking, morally coercive, and steeped in righteous absolutism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
The meta story of Life of M’s creation — how Cusk ignored decorum in favor of artistic absolutism — is perhaps the most intriguing element of this saga.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of absolutism

Noun

Deploying government agencies without regard for facts or consequences is, of course, a hallmark of authoritarianism.

— Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
There have been great inequalities, great challenges, authoritarianism, fascism in the past, and people stand up against it.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of authoritarianism

Browse Nearby Words

totaling

totalism

totalitarian

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“Totalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totalism. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of totalism

noun

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