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
Her designs incorporated and combined messages (among them war and peace, tribalism and religion) and the band members' cultural heritages.
—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
There were no smartphones documenting every moment, no social media outrage cycles and no political tribalism invading every corner of daily life.
—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 June 2026
The man in the etching, the Good Samaritan, can transcend his nature, his inherent tribalism, and offer loving aid to one not of his own kind.
—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
25 May 2026
One fundamental issue is extreme tribalism’s destructive momentum toward distrust and disdain of others.
—
Steven D. Reske,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tribalism
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.
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
There were no smartphones documenting every moment, no social media outrage cycles and no political tribalism invading every corner of daily life.
—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 June 2026
The man in the etching, the Good Samaritan, can transcend his nature, his inherent tribalism, and offer loving aid to one not of his own kind.
—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
25 May 2026
One fundamental issue is extreme tribalism’s destructive momentum toward distrust and disdain of others.
—
Steven D. Reske,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 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 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
