provincialism
noun
pro·vin·cial·ism
prə-ˈvin(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: a dialectal or local word, phrase, or idiom
2
: the quality or state of being provincial
Examples of provincialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Attempts to resolve ecological responsibility through strict localism often risk sliding into cultural provincialism or nationalist enclosure—fantasies of purity that ignore how deeply entangled our lives already are.
—
Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
This provincialism was identified as such and condemned by Merlin Klee, who had been a Freedom Rider as well as a Catholic before joining the community.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
This is provincialism: putting narrow interests over the well-being of not just current residents, but also the entire city.
—Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Whatever your own reaction, the open-ended nature of Serra’s approach flies in the face of what people have been conditioned to expect from today’s non-fiction cinema, much of which exists to challenge the audience for their provincialism while flattering them for their empathy.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provincialism
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.
Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
This provincialism was identified as such and condemned by Merlin Klee, who had been a Freedom Rider as well as a Catholic before joining the community.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
This is provincialism: putting narrow interests over the well-being of not just current residents, but also the entire city.
—Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Whatever your own reaction, the open-ended nature of Serra’s approach flies in the face of what people have been conditioned to expect from today’s non-fiction cinema, much of which exists to challenge the audience for their provincialism while flattering them for their empathy.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provincialism
Cite this Entry
“Provincialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provincialism. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provincialism
noun
pro·vin·cial·ism
prə-ˈvin-chə-ˌliz-əm
1
: a local word, phrase, or idiom
2
: the quality or state of being provincial
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
