iso·la·tion·ism
ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm 
also ˌi-
: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
iso·la·tion·ist
plural -s
: one that advocates or believes in isolationism
criticism … not from isolationists but from internationalists—
Atlantic
Atlanticanthropological isolationists
: of, characterized by, or favoring isolationism
the orthodox believe that much money can be saved, especially of what now goes to foreign aid, by a more isolationist foreign policy—Walter Lippmann
Walter Lippmannthe country was in an overwhelmingly isolationist mood—F. L. Allen
F. L. Allenculturally as well as politically isolationist—Christian Gauss
Christian GaussExamples of isolationism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
CBS News, 31 May 2026
Besides presenting a wide range of arts and entertainment, the event is meant to generate a spirit of global togetherness at a time when some are embracing isolationism and intolerance.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
The Joseon maintained a policy of isolationism for hundreds of years, until the arrival of Western imperial powers in Asia in the 19th century forced them to open up the country.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Laffey, who still identifies himself as a MAGA supporter, insisted the movement was never about a singular issue like isolationism.
—Philip Wang, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
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Noun
But now there's a new threat from the populist right that would embrace policies of isolationism abroad, that would embrace big government and protectionism at home, marginalize the right to life.
—CBS News, 31 May 2026
Besides presenting a wide range of arts and entertainment, the event is meant to generate a spirit of global togetherness at a time when some are embracing isolationism and intolerance.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
The Joseon maintained a policy of isolationism for hundreds of years, until the arrival of Western imperial powers in Asia in the 19th century forced them to open up the country.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Laffey, who still identifies himself as a MAGA supporter, insisted the movement was never about a singular issue like isolationism.
—Philip Wang, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for isolationism
Cite this Entry
“Isolationism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolationism. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
isolationism
noun
iso·la·tion·ism
ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm
: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations
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