institutionalism

noun

in·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al·​ism ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce institutionalism (audio)
1
: emphasis on organization (as in religion) at the expense of other factors
2
: public institutional care of disabled, delinquent, or dependent persons
3
: an economic school of thought that emphasizes the role of social institutions in influencing economic behavior

Examples of institutionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Just in case there was ever any doubt, though, the new season of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy doubles down on the Apple TV+ identity as a destination for comfortable institutionalism with an entire episode devoted to an interview with Prince William. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025 At that time, there was still a sense of congressional institutionalism, as shown by the bipartisan action in the House Judiciary Committee to approve impeachment articles against President Nixon. Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025 In other words, countries should combat populism indirectly through promotion of trade and international institutionalism rather than force the issue with sanctions and rhetorical condemnation. Samuel Seitz, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2017 See All Example Sentences for institutionalism

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of institutionalism was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Institutionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/institutionalism. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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