activism

noun

ac·​tiv·​ism ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce activism (audio)
: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue
political activism
environmental activism

Examples of activism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Before his later activism with King, Jackson was part of the Greenville Eight which held a sit-in at the Greenville County Public Library on July 16, 1960. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026 Tateishi found his path to activism in the 1970s, as anger swelled among young former detainees about their imprisonment, which the government had yet to acknowledge as an injustice. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026 The sentiment sounds almost like activism at a moment when Black History Month is being deemphasized, politicians claim diversity itself is a primary source of our woes and museums are being told to rework exhibitions that tell less than flattering history. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 The Civil Rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War sparked activism for education that included more diverse perspectives, leading to new programs' development across the country. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for activism

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Aktivismus, from aktiv active entry 1 + -ismus -ism

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of activism was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Activism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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