terrorism
noun
ter·ror·ism
ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 
: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion
Examples of terrorism in a Sentence
They have been arrested for acts of terrorism.
Recent Examples on the Web
In January 2025, the Cuban government released 553 prisoners following talks with the Vatican, a day after the Biden administration announced its intent to lift the island’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
—
Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
Israel’s national security minister is slamming the Muslim-majority countries that have denounced its controversial bill to effectively expand the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism and nationalistic murders.
—Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
The survivors face criminal terrorism charges that could carry a life sentence.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Removing Cuba from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorism
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.
Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
Israel’s national security minister is slamming the Muslim-majority countries that have denounced its controversial bill to effectively expand the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism and nationalistic murders.
—Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
The survivors face criminal terrorism charges that could carry a life sentence.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Removing Cuba from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorism
Cite this Entry
“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
terrorism
noun
ter·ror·ism
ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm
1
: the unlawful use or threat of violence especially against the state or the public as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion
2
: violent and intimidating gang activity
street terrorism
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
