protectionist

noun

pro·​tec·​tion·​ist prə-ˈtek-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce protectionist (audio)
: an advocate of government economic protection for domestic producers through restrictions on foreign competitors
protectionism noun
protectionist adjective

Examples of protectionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Carey and the early generation of American protectionists were not apologists for industrial capitalism. Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 The protectionists are talking about a generational project of long-term pain for transcendent gains in which American families and communities are healed by the return of high-paying, low-skill manufacturing jobs. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025 Was Lutnick more in the camp of a free trader like Milton Friedman or a protectionist like Donald Trump? Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 In short, this week begins a multi-week process in which leaders of the biggest and most important companies in the U.S. tell the country and the world just how seismic these drastic protectionist policies are for their businesses. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protectionist

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protectionist was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Protectionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectionist. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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