McCarthyism
noun
Mc·Car·thy·ism
mə-ˈkär-thē-ˌi-zəm 
also -ˈkär-tē-
: a mid-20th century political attitude characterized chiefly by opposition to elements held to be subversive and by the use of tactics involving personal attacks on individuals by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations especially on the basis of unsubstantiated charges
broadly
: defamation of character or reputation through such tactics
Examples of McCarthyism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While the 2005 film is likely easier to locate than the CNN broadcast, either version of Good Night, and Good Luck is essential viewing in the midst of what seems to be a new horizon for neo-McCarthyism in America.
—
Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Redford’s main tasks are to look just as fabulous as Streisand, gaze upon her adoringly, and make sure his character stays likable despite his McCarthyism.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, compared the move to McCarthyism in the 1950s, when authorities prosecuted left-wing individuals amid a widespread public panic over communism and its influence on US institutions.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
There was fear and suspicion due to the growing Cold War and the rise of McCarthyism.
—Time, 29 July 2025
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Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Redford’s main tasks are to look just as fabulous as Streisand, gaze upon her adoringly, and make sure his character stays likable despite his McCarthyism.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, compared the move to McCarthyism in the 1950s, when authorities prosecuted left-wing individuals amid a widespread public panic over communism and its influence on US institutions.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
There was fear and suspicion due to the growing Cold War and the rise of McCarthyism.
—Time, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for McCarthyism
Cite this Entry
“McCarthyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/McCarthyism. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
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