Monroe Doctrine

noun

Mon·​roe Doctrine mən-ˈrō- How to pronounce Monroe Doctrine (audio)
also ˈmən-
or ˈmän-
: a statement of U.S. foreign policy expressing opposition to extension of European control or influence in the western hemisphere

Examples of Monroe Doctrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Who was the main force behind the Monroe Doctrine as Secretary of State. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026 That secretary of war was James Monroe, who would eventually go on to formulate what became known as the Monroe Doctrine. Max Saltman, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026 Wilson's policies may be the better analogy to Trump's own interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine. Scott Neuman, NPR, 15 Jan. 2026 President Fillmore also 2aggressively held to the Monroe Doctrine, and prevented European powers from annexing Hawaii. New York Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Monroe Doctrine

Word History

Etymology

James Monroe

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Monroe Doctrine was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Monroe Doctrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Monroe%20Doctrine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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