opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-ˌni-zəm 
-ˈtyü-
: the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences
Examples of opportunism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And not every outside proposal is fast-money opportunism dressed up as reform.
—
Marc Cooper, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Attorney Chad Dunn, who is representing a group of plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said the dichotomy is evidence of political opportunism.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
Healey, who is up for reelection next year and whose approval ratings have dipped, staged a photo op in her Statehouse office with Marcelo Gomes da Silva on Friday that reeked of political opportunism and ickiness.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 17 June 2025
Still, their opportunism and commitment to their craft paid off.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Marc Cooper, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Attorney Chad Dunn, who is representing a group of plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said the dichotomy is evidence of political opportunism.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
Healey, who is up for reelection next year and whose approval ratings have dipped, staged a photo op in her Statehouse office with Marcelo Gomes da Silva on Friday that reeked of political opportunism and ickiness.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 17 June 2025
Still, their opportunism and commitment to their craft paid off.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunism
Cite this Entry
“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunism. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm
: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share