tribalism
noun
trib·al·ism
ˈtrī-bə-ˌli-zəm 
2
: strong in-group loyalty often combined with a negative view of outsiders
When people talk of tribalism or "us versus them," they often think in binary terms—there are two groups, two tribes.—
Miriam Juan-Torres, quoted in The Atlantic
Miriam Juan-Torres, quoted in The AtlanticExamples of tribalism in a Sentence
Tribalism within the group is strong.
the corrupting influence of tribalism
Recent Examples on the Web
In our communities, and even in our families, tribalism drives us not merely to disagree with but to despise one another.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
That reaction spoke to a sense that Savile chants have become normalised within football — just another expression of the ferocious tribalism that is, for many, the English game’s unique selling point.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
These clashes of tribalism aren’t just happening online or in the halls of Congress, but in the crowds at Dropkicks’ shows.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
We were shredded apart and remain so, stained forever by mistrust and a sudden tribalism that seems to define us.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tribalism
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CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
That reaction spoke to a sense that Savile chants have become normalised within football — just another expression of the ferocious tribalism that is, for many, the English game’s unique selling point.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
These clashes of tribalism aren’t just happening online or in the halls of Congress, but in the crowds at Dropkicks’ shows.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
We were shredded apart and remain so, stained forever by mistrust and a sudden tribalism that seems to define us.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tribalism
Cite this Entry
“Tribalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribalism. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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