imperialism

noun

Definition of imperialismnext
as in hostility
tendency to extend power or control over others especially through the use of force Violent conquer of other nations is one extreme form of imperialism.

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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 imperialism There are so many aspects — of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism, all the isms, and fascism, which is coming back — that avoiding politics would be anti-historical. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 For Balthaser, these developments bore out some of the Jewish left’s warnings about Zionism as a project of nationalism, imperialism, and ethnic exclusion. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 31 Aug. 2026 National conservatives, for instance, oppose loosening the United States’ ties with Israel and tolerating Chinese and Russian imperialism. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 The result is a compelling indictment of Russia’s historical and present-day imperialism. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
  1. hostility
  2. aggression
  3. militarism
  4. jingoism
  5. aggressiveness
Noun
  • Syrian families in Magdeburg are weighing whether to stay, as AfD campaign promises of faster deportations and tighter asylum limits deepen fears of hostility and exclusion.
    — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This online abuse and hostility experienced by trans people in the UK is part of a broader picture of the UK becoming a hostile climate for trans people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Saturday's vote came as the small republic on NATO’s eastern flank contends with growing concern about potential Russian aggression.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • For all their talent, the defining feature of London City Lionesses is their aggression without possession.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • Yet for Asian countries that endured Japanese imperial rule and expansion, Yasukuni remains a symbol of Japan’s militarism.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Yet the defense industry’s disbursement of billions of dollars to lobby Congress and influence policy debates helps drive the United States’ mindless militarism.
    — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of militarism
Noun
  • There are parallels to be drawn in the MAGA crowd pining for the conforming jingoism of the 1950s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Progressives mourned the death of reform amid patriotic jingoism.
    — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of jingoism
Noun
  • Stunned at first by his opponent’s aggressiveness and the onslaught of personal attacks, Ted trains himself to withstand the barrages and to respond in kind.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness

Browse Nearby Words

imperial
imperialism
imperials
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Cite this Entry

“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperialism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imperialism

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