TOTALISTIC 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

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

Ortega spoke Sunday at the anniversary of the Sandinista revolution that toppled the Somoza dictatorship in 1979 and first brought him to power.

— Anna-Catherine Brigida, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
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

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

And the urgency of Judar’s meditations on authoritarianism, impunity, social repression, and avenues for liberation in the United States in 2026 is so clear as to be self-evident.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Venezuela has run aground under a Chavista regime since 1999, when Hugo Chavez rose to power and created a regime combining left-wing populism, authoritarianism, petro-state largesse, and anti-Americanism.

— Rafael Osío Cabrices, Time, 20 July 2026

Definition of authoritarianism

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totaling

totalism

totalitarian

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“Totalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totalism. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of totalism

noun

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